Shooting Stars earned a place in the final of the maiden NPFL-Dozy Mmobuosi Foundation pre-season tournament after holding out for a nil all draw with leaders, Enyimba.
Four clubs — Rangers, Enyimba, Shooting Stars and Bendel Insurance — are involved in the invitational tournament.
The matches were watched by the Minister for Youths and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare; Nigeria Football Federation first Vice President, Chief Felix Anyansi Agwu; Chairman of the NPFL Interim Management Committee, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; MD/CEO of Tingo Media Group, Martin Ebuwa Agbonwaneten; and Head of Operations of the IMC, Prince Davidson Owumi.
The first game of the day had few bright moments on both sides with the goalkeepers called to make daring saves in each half. Shooting Stars would see their shot from the wing hit the woodwork and that was the most they did.
Enyimba finished at the top with seven points, while Shooting followed with five points from one win and two draws. The two will play on Friday to determine the overall winner and claim the top prize of ₦100 million.
Rangers and Insurance played in the last game that had no consequence on the determination of the finalists as a win for either side will fall short of Shooting Stars’ five points. Insurance came from behind to win 2-1.
Elijah Ani opened scoring for Rangers on 43 minutes but Dede Moughara restored parity in added time of the first half. Insurance then took the lead through Benjamin Taminu who converted from the penalty spot on 66 minutes after a Rangers defender handled the ball inside the box.
Insurance finished third with three points from one win while Rangers had only a point from their draw with Shooting Stars.
