Bayelsa United dealt a heavy blow to Shooting Stars’ continental hopes with a commanding 3-0 victory over the Ibadan-based side in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Matchday 33 clash at the Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa, on Friday.
The defeat comes just 48 hours after Shooting Stars were sanctioned by the NPFL with a N5 million fine for their fans’ unruly behavior during a goalless draw against Ikorodu City FC.
The league also imposed a stadium closure to fans for the remainder of their home games this season.
Bayelsa United took full advantage of their home ground, with goals from Ogba Ifeanyi and Magbisa Wisdom giving them a two-goal lead before halftime. Kehinde Lawal added a third just a minute into the second half to complete the emphatic win.
The result significantly boosts Bayelsa United’s survival hopes, extending their unbeaten run to seven matches and propelling them from 19th to 13th on the table with 45 points from 33 matches.
Shooting Stars, meanwhile, remain in fifth position with 48 points, also from 33 games, a position that is subject to change after the conclusion of the rest of the weekend’s matches across different centers.
