Desmond Ojietefian and Damilola Akinola scored in the first half before substitute Qamar Adegoke sealed the victory in the 71st minute at the Lekan Salami Stadium, as the Oluyole Warriors claimed all three points in their Matchday 9 encounter.
The result provided relief for head coach Salisu Yusuf, whose side had struggled in recent weeks, recording back-to-back goalless home draws before suffering defeats away to Enyimba, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat.
Ojietefian puts Shooting Stars ahead
Shooting Stars started with determination and took the lead in the 14th minute. Defender Desmond Ojietefian rose to meet a long throw-in from Issa Yusuf, directing his header into the net to give the hosts an early advantage.
Ranchers Bees responded by working their way back into the contest and drew level in the 38th minute through Isah Ndala Aliyu, who converted from a free-kick situation to make it 1-1.
The equaliser threatened to frustrate the home side again, but Shooting Stars continued to apply pressure through set pieces and attacking deliveries into the penalty area.
Their persistence paid off in first-half stoppage time. After Ranchers Bees failed to clear another long throw from Issa Yusuf, Damilola Akinola capitalised on the loose ball and fired home in the 45th+3 minute to restore Shooting Stars' lead.
The hosts went into the interval ahead 2-1.
Sodiq Ibrahim misses penalty opportunity
Shooting Stars had a chance to extend their advantage shortly after the restart when the referee awarded them a penalty following a handball by Ibrahim Inuwa inside the area.
However, striker Sodiq Ibrahim was unable to convert from the spot, as Ranchers Bees goalkeeper Alhassan Tofa produced a save to keep the visitors within one goal.
The missed penalty offered Ranchers Bees renewed hope of securing a result, but Shooting Stars continued to press and looked determined to avoid another disappointing outcome.
Adegoke seals the victory
The decisive moment arrived in the 71st minute when substitute Qamar Adegoke scored a superb third goal for Shooting Stars.
Introduced seven minutes earlier in place of Damilola Akinola, Adegoke beat his marker before firing from a tight angle to make it 3-1.
The goal gave the hosts breathing space and rewarded the attacking changes made by Yusuf.
Ranchers Bees attempted to respond, but Shooting Stars managed the closing stages effectively to secure their first league victory in six matches.
Shooting Stars gain momentum
The victory was particularly important for Shooting Stars after a disappointing sequence of results that had increased pressure on the team.
The Oluyole Warriors showed greater urgency in attack and made their set-piece opportunities count, with Ojietefian and Akinola delivering crucial first-half goals before Adegoke's contribution off the bench settled the contest.
Ranchers Bees, meanwhile, will be disappointed by their inability to protect their defensive areas, particularly during the two goals conceded around half-time.
The result lifted Shooting Stars to 12th place with 11 points from nine matches, while Ranchers Bees remained 17th with eight points.
Shooting Stars will now look to build on the victory when they travel to face Ikorodu City on 25 October, while Ranchers Bees are scheduled to host Doma United on the same date.
Match details
• Shooting Stars: Desmond Ojietefian 14', Damilola Akinola 45+3', Qamar Adegoke 71'
• Ranchers Bees: Isah Ndala Aliyu 38'
Final score: Shooting Stars 3-1 Ranchers Bees
Competition: Nigeria Premier Football League, Matchday 9
Date: Friday, 16 October 2026
Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, Nigeria
Shooting Stars will hope this victory marks a turning point in their campaign as they seek greater consistency in the coming weeks.