The Oluyole Warriors took the lead in the 11th minute through Lucky Emmanuel Gyang, who finished clinically to give the home side an early advantage. Inter Lagos responded positively and equalised in the 22nd minute when Adigun Damilare found the net to level the scores.
Shooting Stars regained the lead just before the interval. Sodiq Ibrahim stepped up and converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time to restore the hosts’ advantage heading into the break.
The second half proved a tighter contest as Inter Lagos pushed for an equaliser while Shooting Stars focused on protecting their slender lead. Despite the visitors’ efforts, the Ibadan side held firm to secure all three points and make a winning start to the new season.
The result marks a positive beginning for Shooting Stars under new head coach Salisu Yusuf, who took charge ahead of the campaign. The club finished third last season and earned a return to continental football after a long absence.
For Inter Lagos, the defeat came in their historic first appearance in the NPFL after earning promotion from the Nigeria National League. The Lagos side showed competitive spirit and will look to build on the experience as they adapt to life in the top flight.
The match also served as the curtain-raiser for the 2026/27 NPFL season amid ongoing administrative changes at the Nigeria Football Federation and the league itself. Shooting Stars now sit temporarily at the top of the table with three points from their opening fixture.
Both teams will turn their attention to the next round of fixtures as the new campaign gathers momentum across the country.