Shooting Stars Coach Nurudeen Aweroro exchanging jersey with Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle on Sunday, May 3.Shooting Stars Coach Nurudeen Aweroro exchanging jersey with Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle on Sunday, May 3.
Qamar Adegoke stepped up under the watchful eyes of coach Eric Chelle on Sunday, May 3, scoring the decisive goal as Shooting Stars SC beat Nasarawa United 3-2 in a gripping Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clash.
Newsmen reports that Chelle has thrown the national team door open to standout performers in the NPFL and uncapped Nigerians abroad ahead of the Unity Cup scheduled for May 26 to 30.
The Unity Cup is played outside the FIFA international window, with Nigeria set to defend the title they won last year against India, Jamaica and Zimbabwe.
Chelle witnessed a game loaded with continental ticket implications in Ibadan. Shooting Stars needed a win to leapfrog their visitors and make a blistering start. Lucky Emmanuel struck twice inside the opening half hour to hand the hosts control.
Nasarawa United responded before the break through JoFrank Istifanus. Habibu Alakija then hauled the visitors level in the 57th minute, setting up a tense finale.
Adegoke, a former Nasarawa United player, delivered the decisive moment in the 77th minute. His winner lifted Shooting Stars to third on 57 points after 36 matches and took his league tally to 10, placing him firmly in the race for the Golden Boot with two games left.
Nine of his goals this term have come from the bench, demonstrating his growing influence in the club’s rebuilding push. He has scored six at home and four away this season.
Shooting Stars could seal a CAF Confederation Cup spot if their surge continues.
Next up is a trip to Niger Tornadoes, while Chelle is expected to attend Tuesday’s clash between Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists to assess more prospects.
NPFL Matchday 36 full results
Barau 3-0 El-Kanemi Warriors
Shooting Stars 3-2 Nasarawa United
Kun Khalifat FC 2-1 Kano Pillars
Enyimba 2-1 Remo Stars
Warri Wolves 1-0 Plateau United
Bayelsa United 0-2 Enugu Rangers
Rivers United 3-0 Abia Warriors
Niger Tornadoes 2-2 Kwara United
NaijaNews / Tunmise Adesanmi
