Shooting Stars boss Salisu Yusuf expects improvement after opening NPFL victory

Shooting Stars technical adviser Salisu Yusuf says his team will improve as the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season develops, after beginning their campaign with a 2-1 win over newly promoted Inter Lagos.

The Oluyole Warriors secured a closely fought victory at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Friday, although Yusuf believes his players are capable of producing stronger performances once they have played more competitive matches together.

Shooting Stars took the lead in the 14th minute when Lucky Emmanuel found the net. Inter Lagos responded nine minutes later, with Adigun Damilare converting a well-delivered cross into the box to level the contest.

The hosts regained the advantage in first-half stoppage time. Sodiq Ibrahim converted from the penalty spot to put Shooting Stars back in front, and his effort ultimately settled the match.

Shooting Stars had a chance to make the result more comfortable late in the game when they were awarded another penalty. However, substitute Mustapha Adams was unable to convert, leaving Inter Lagos within reach until the final whistle.

Despite that missed opportunity and the narrow margin of victory, Yusuf was pleased with the way his side began the new campaign. The experienced tactician said the team had only been together for a short period and would benefit from additional time on the pitch.

The result gives Shooting Stars an encouraging start to their NPFL campaign, but Yusuf stressed that the performance should be viewed as part of a longer process rather than a finished product.

“It’s step by step. I think we will play better than this with more matches. We’ve been together for a short time, and we have this result. If we have one month, you can imagine what to expect,” Yusuf said after the game.

His comments underline his belief that regular competition will help the players develop their understanding and raise their level as the season progresses.

“They will continue to improve. That is my belief.”

Shooting Stars were able to hold on to their lead after Ibrahim’s penalty, despite Inter Lagos’ response in the first half and the late chance created by the hosts. The victory therefore provided Yusuf’s side with three points from their opening fixture, while the manager maintained that there is still considerable room for improvement.

The Oluyole Warriors will now look to build on the result as they seek to become more competitive during the remainder of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League campaign.