Christian Pyagbara’s 13th-minute goal on Wednesday ensured hosts Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) defeated visiting Rangers International Football Club 1-0 in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture.
The Match Day 36 victory in a packed stadium strengthened the Ibadan-based 3SC’s pursuit of a place among the competition’s final top three.
Both sides came into the game looking hungry for goals, but the hosts took charge with flowing moves down the flanks.
They ran rings around the visitors, with team captain Taofeek Malomo and midfielder Ayobami Junior holding sway.
Sustaining their attack, 3SC confined the league leaders to their half and were rewarded when Ayobami Junior’s corner kick from the left flank was headed in by Pyagbara.
Rangers fought back against a stoic 3SC defense, with Gbolagade Adelowo and Ayodeji Bamidele holding their own and Victor Ehibe and Gali Falke taking full charge on the flanks.
The second-half play saw Rangers International becoming more daring and were close on several occasions, only finishing poorly.
The result took 3SC to 59 points from 36 games, but still in fourth place, one point behind third-placed Enyimba International FC of Aba.
Rangers maintain their top spot with 64 points while Remo Stars remain in second place with 62 points.
