Shooting Stars have returned to the elite league in Nigeria after they pipped closest rivals Akwa Starlets 1-0 at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday.

Shooting Stars, who were relegated to lower division last season, finished top of NNL Division B with 50 points from 30 matches.

Gabros also gained promotion from Division B after they won 2-0 at Ekiti United on Satur day. Elated Oyo State commissioner for youth and sports, Umar Farouk Arisekola Alao, saluted the victorious Shooting Stars.

He said, “I’m so happy today with the performance of the team and they really made the state proud because this is the first time the team will be promoted instantly after 35 years. This is a new beginning and we are going to prepare well for the Nigeria Premier League Football.” Experienced defender Sylvanus Ebiaku gave 3SC an early lead in the fifth minute from the penalty spot after Okiki Afolabi was fouled inside the box.

Overall, it was a fitting final match between 3SC and Akwa Starlets, who gave a very good account of themselves in the first half.