2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Match Day 8: Shooting Stars’ Defensive Woes Deepen After Kun Khalifat Meltdown

Posted : 12 October 2026

Shooting Stars’ early-season struggles intensified on Sunday as defensive lapses condemned the Ibadan-based side to a 2-0 defeat against Kun Khalifat FC in their 2026/2027 Euromatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day Eight encounter in Owerri.

The defeat extended the Oluyole Warriors’ winless league run to five matches, their longest such sequence in three years, while raising fresh concerns about the team’s defensive organisation under head coach Salisu Yusuf.

Kun Khalifat capitalised on their opponents’ weaknesses to score once in each half and secure all three points, leaving Shooting Stars searching for answers after another disappointing outing.

The Ibadan side had entered the encounter following a 1-0 loss to Warri Wolves and a 4-2 defeat against Enyimba in Aba. They had also settled for goalless draws against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars.

The latest setback leaves Shooting Stars with eight points from eight matches, a return that reflects their difficulty in translating performances into positive results as the campaign progresses.

Yusuf did not hide his disappointment after the match, admitting that poor defending was largely responsible for the defeat while acknowledging Kun Khalifat’s superior performance.

“The opponents deserve to win because they played better and defended very well. But if you look at our side, we defended very poorly. That’s why we lost the game,” he said.

The former Nigeria national team coach, who indicated that he had only recently taken charge of the team, suggested that significant changes could be necessary to address the persistent defensive problems.

“We have to look at the defence line, to change the whole defence line because they can’t run, they can’t defend, you understand?” Yusuf said.

He described the situation as disturbing, stressing that defensive discipline was essential if the team hoped to return to winning ways.

“It’s been very disturbing because if you cannot defend, there’s no way you can win the game,” he added.

Yusuf’s remarks point to a possible defensive overhaul as Shooting Stars attempt to halt their slide and restore confidence ahead of their next league assignment.

The defeat also dealt a blow to the club’s league position, with the Oluyole Warriors dropping three places to 17th in the standings, according to the supplied match report.

For Kun Khalifat, the victory provided a welcome boost as they continued their campaign, moving one place up the table.

With Match Day Nine approaching, Shooting Stars face mounting pressure to correct their defensive shortcomings, improve their results, and prevent their difficult run from undermining their ambitions for the season.

2026/2027 Euromatch NPFL Match Day 8: Shooting Stars’ Defensive Woes Deepen After Kun Khalifat Meltdown

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