Shooting Stars will host newly promoted Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Friday as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season gets underway.
The Oluyole Warriors will enter the encounter with confidence after an impressive campaign last season, when they finished third in the NPFL to secure continental football for the first time in 27 years.
However, the five-time Nigerian champions will be eager to break their poor record in season-opening fixtures in recent years.
Shooting Stars have managed just one victory, three draws and one defeat in their opening league matches over the last five seasons.
Salisu Yusuf Begins Shooting Stars Era
The Ibadan-based club will begin the new campaign under former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf, who was recently appointed technical adviser following the departure of Nurudeen Aweroro.
Aweroro guided the Oluyole Warriors to their impressive third-place finish last season before leaving the club.
Shooting Stars have also undergone significant changes to their squad, with key players including Ismail Ayodele, Tijani Kabiru and last season’s leading assist provider, Ayobami Junior, departing the club.
The club has responded by strengthening its squad with the recruitment of Taheer Abubakar, Kalu Nweke, Albert Kovarh, Tamuno Kalio, Issa Yusuf and Aule Johnmark.
Inter Lagos Eye Strong Top-Flight Debut
For Inter Lagos, Friday’s fixture represents a historic first appearance in Nigeria’s top-flight football.
The Lagos-based club secured promotion to the NPFL for the first time last season and will be keen to announce their arrival among the country’s elite with a positive result against Shooting Stars.
Inter Lagos can draw confidence from their recent encounter with the Ibadan side, having held Shooting Stars to a goalless draw in a pre-season friendly on August 4.
Head coach Shakiru Biodun Giwa is expected to retain much of the squad that secured the club’s historic promotion, as Inter Lagos seek to begin their maiden NPFL campaign on a strong note.
The opening fixture promises an intriguing contest between an ambitious Shooting Stars side aiming to build on last season’s success and an Inter Lagos team eager to prove it belongs in the top flight.
