Shooting Stars take big step as hunt for continent football intensifies

Shooting Stars put up a wonderful second half performance to claim an emphatic 4-0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Oluyole Warriors have had a thrilling season under the tutelage of coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as they were fourth on the Nigeria Premier League table.

Shooting Stars started the game well, bossing the possession from the blast of the whistle. Their number 10 jersey man Abiodun Ayobami was obviously the target man for them, and he was at the heart of everything good.

However, Shooting Stars failed to break the deadlock, as Abia Warriors kept a strong defense line and repelled everything that came their way.

In the second half, the Oluyole Warriors continued to pile the pressure, as they needed a win to keep their hopes of playing continental football alive.

Eventually, Abia Warriors broke in the 72nd minute, as Alex Aghahowa opened the scoring to put Shooting Stars in the driving seat. That goal open the floodgates, as Malomo Taofeeq scored the second in the 81st minute. Then, three minutes later, veteran Premier League campaigner Christian Pyagbara scored the third for Shooting Stars.

Adam Mustapha wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time to ensure that it ended 4-0 for Shooting Stars. The win takes the Oluyole Warriors to fourth on the table, three points behind Enyimba in second. With four games left, Shooting Stars would be looking to end the season on a strong note and qualify for the CAF Confederations Cup or the CAF Champions League.