Shooting Stars aiming for their first national title since the 1998 season got a setback in Ilorin after Kwara United inflicted a 2-0 defeat in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League match.
Shooting Stars had hoped to sustain their unbeaten run that has spanned 77 days in the league. Getting a point would have also narrowed the gap between them and the fast-running away Remo Stars.
The 2-0 loss to Kwara United also narrowed Shooting Stars goal difference from eight to six, giving Remo Stars an 11 gap in goal difference and eight-point advantage.
Interestingly, Shooting Stars’ last lost match was against Remo Stars with goals from Sikiru Alimi and Adedayo Olamilekan giving the Ikenne side a 2-0 win.
Since then, Shooting Stars have won six matches in a row including the famous away win against their eternal rivals, Enugu Rangers and then a 1-1 draw in Jos to Plateau United.
On Wednesday, the tittle-chasing Shooting Stars found themselves behind after 22 minutes when Kabiru Mohammed put the home side in front and Ogifini Abdullah doubled the lead in the 57th minute.
The result also pushed Kwara United to eighth position with 32 points to their credit.
In Benin, Bendel Insurance’s quest to swim out of the murky waters of relegation got a boost when they beat multiple champions, Enyimba 1-0.
Elsewhere, Kano Pillars edged out El Kanemi 2-1 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. After a goalless first half, veteran defender and possibly the oldest player in the Nigerian league, Rabiu Ali put the home side in the lead in the 62nd minute via a penalty kick.
El Kanemi restored parity three minutes later through Umar Al Amin also from a penalty kick.
But with the looking like a draw, the stadium massive crowd at the stadium celebrated the late-minute goal off Rashid Alhasan.
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