Shooting Stars host Inter Lagos in the 2026/27 NPFL opener in Ibadan, with a new coach, fresh signings and a first top-flight test for the visitors

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan host Inter Lagos at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, on Friday 28 August 2026 in the opening fixture of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League.

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The Oluyole Warriors finished third last season with 60 points from 38 matches, behind Enugu Rangers and Rivers United. That place ended a 27-year wait for African football and put them in the CAF Confederation Cup, where they meet Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the first preliminary round.

They are five-time Nigerian champions. Opening day has been less kind. They have won only once in their last five league starts, with three draws and one defeat.

There is a new man on the bench. Former Super Eagles assistant Salisu Yusuf has replaced Nurudeen Aweroro, who oversaw last season’s surge.

Yusuf arrived about a week ago after a spell with Coton FC of Benin. He has already warned that the first match will be hard.

“I just came into the team a week ago, and I believe the players are comprehending what we are trying to imbibe in them,” Salisu Yusuf said. “The first game is always hard because so many expectations will be on the players.”

Club chairman Taiwo Lekan Salami has set a high bar. “We want to do well on the continent and also we want to win the NPFL and the FA Cup,” he said.

The squad has turned over. Ismail Ayodele, Tijani Kabiru and last season’s leading assist maker, Ayobami Junior, have left. Taheer Abubakar, Kalu Nweke, Albert Kovarh, Tamuno Kalio, Issa Yusuf and Aule Johnmark have come in. At home last season Shooting Stars went 15 league games unbeaten.

Inter Lagos are in the top flight for the first time. They won Nigeria National League Conference A with 29 points from 15 matches and sealed promotion with a 1-1 draw against Smart City on the final day.

Head coach Shakiru Biodun Giwa is expected to keep most of that side. The two clubs already know each other a little. They drew 0-0 in a friendly on 4 August.

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The rest of Matchday One is on Sunday 30 August. Friday night in Ibadan is the curtain-raiser: a historic club chasing a cleaner start, and a new side trying to show it belongs.