NPFL: Mustapha Lawal predicts gritty second round for Shooting Stars

By Saheed Afolabi

Shooting Stars goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal, has forecast a challenging second round of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for his side.

The Oluyole Warriors shot-stopper played a key role in the team’s remarkable five-match unbeaten run in December, during which they kept a clean sheet in every game.

Lawal anticipates that the second round of the NPFL season will present tougher challenges, but he is confident that his teammates are prepared for the difficulties ahead.

“We expect a more challenging second round, but we will be ready to give it all it takes,” Lawal told 3SC.

He added, “Sure, there will be more challenges for us in the second round, but we will also be well prepared for it and I believe God will see us through.”

The in-form goalkeeper also expressed pride in his stellar record of nine clean sheets in the first round, which has fueled his excitement for the upcoming challenges.

“I feel very, very excited, and I thank God for this. It has been God, there is no other magic behind it other than God,” Lawal said.

Shooting Stars ended the first round of the 2024/2025 NPFL season in third place with 33 points from 19 matches.