The Oluyole Warriors conceded twice at Kun Khalifat, and their new coach says the backline is now the main job.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Yusuf’s honest verdict
Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has admitted his side defended poorly in their 2-0 defeat to Kun Khalifat in NPFL Matchday 8. The Oluyole Warriors travelled for the Sunday fixture and left without a point. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that Yusuf made no excuses after the final whistle.
NPFL fans who like to forecast scores can try the Super9ja NPFL weekend game before the next round.
Yusuf said Kun Khalifat deserved the win because they played better and defended well. “We didn’t play well, and we defended poorly,” he said.
How the goals came
Kun Khalifat broke the deadlock through Agor Chukwuma in the 40th minute. Uche doubled the lead in the 63rd minute to put the game out of reach.
The hosts took full advantage of the visitors’ defensive mistakes to secure a crucial home win. It was a disappointing afternoon for a Shooting Stars side that had also been held 0-0 by Kano Pillars and Nasarawa United in their last two home games.
Supporters hoping to back the Oluyole Warriors can look at the YOHAIG Bet9ja promo code for NPFL fans before the next game.
A new coach with work to do
Yusuf, who recently took charge, said the defeat laid bare the immediate challenges. He said he has just joined the team and has to take a closer look at the defensive line, which he called very disturbing.
He named fixing the backline as his utmost priority going into the upcoming games. The club appointed him as technical adviser in August after parting ways with Nurudeen Aweroro.
NPFL readers can see the Bet9ja promotion code article for NPFL readers before the next round.
What comes next
Shooting Stars face Ranchers Bees on October 18, with kick-off at 4pm, according to the site fixture list. The Oluyole Warriors will hope for a fast response.
Earlier this week a sports psychologist urged fans to stay patient with the technical crew. Whether supporters will listen after this result is another question.
Can Yusuf fix the defence in a week? Eight games into a 38-game season, there is still time.
📌 Did You Know?
- Shooting Stars began as WNDC Ibadan in the 1950s and are nicknamed the Oluyole Warriors.
- Yusuf has worked with Rangers, Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United and the Super Eagles.
- His last job before 3SC was as head coach of Benin Republic club Coton Sport.
- Shooting Stars opened the 2026/27 season at home against newly promoted Inter Lagos.
- Kano Pillars’ 0-0 draw at the Lekan Salami Stadium was their first point away to 3SC in nine years.
