10th March, 2013
Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC of Ibadan began the 2012/2013 Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL season on a bright note as they beat visiting Gombe United 2-0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State Sunday.
Two first half goals, the first from Tony Edjomariegwe in the 17th minute, and a second from Osagona Ighodaro ten minutes later, was all the Oluyole Warriors needed to secure the full points in the Week One game
The former Africa Cup Winners Cup and Confederations Cup winners should have had more goals, but a combination of good defending and luck saw Gombe United escape with just a two goal deficit. Shooting Stars will now travel to Port Harcourt to face Dolphins in a Week two tie.
Defending champions, Kano Pillars also got their season off to a bright start on Sunday as they recorded an away victory over Wikki Tourist in Bauchi.
Rabiu Ali scored the only goal in the Week 1 game which took place at the Tafawa Balewa Stadium in Bauchi as the Kano Aristocrats attempt to have the League title for keeps for another year.
Coach Baba Ganaru of Pillars had stated his intention of not only retaining the league crown but also giving a good fight for the CAF Champions League where his team have already qualified for the second round.