Shooting Stars produced a dramatic late surge to defeat Bendel Insurance 2-1 in their Nigeria Premier Football League Matchday 13 encounter at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Friday.

The match appeared destined to end goalless before the Oluyole Warriors finally broke the Benin Arsenal’s resistance with six minutes of regulation time remaining.

Olakunle Akala opened the scoring in the 84th minute with a stunning long-range effort after pouncing on a loose ball, sending the home supporters into wild celebrations.

Shooting Stars then doubled their advantage in the second minute of added time through substitute Qamar Adegoke.

Adegoke capitalised on a defensive lapse following an injury to Bendel Insurance defender Gabriel Lekan to make it 2-0 and seemingly put the contest beyond the visitors. 

Bendel Insurance refused to surrender, however, and Alex Oweilayefa pulled one back in the seventh minute of added time after calmly finishing a late opportunity.

The goal created a nervy finish, but Shooting Stars held on to secure all three points.

The victory represents an important response for Salisu Yusuf’s side following their 1-0 defeat away to Barau FC on Matchday 12. 

It also extends Shooting Stars’ impressive home record, with the Ibadan club continuing to make the Lekan Salami Stadium a difficult venue for visiting teams.

The three points lift Shooting Stars from 13th to seventh position with 18 points from 13 matches, while Bendel Insurance remain second with 21 points. 

Bendel arrived in Ibadan on the back of a 2-1 victory over Niger Tornadoes but were unable to maintain their winning momentum against the Oluyole Warriors.

The defeat also represents another setback for Kennedy Boboye’s side in their pursuit of the NPFL title, although they remain among the leading teams on the table.

Shooting Stars will now face league leaders Rangers International in their next fixture on November 22, while Bendel Insurance will host Doma United on the same date.