Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), kicked off their quest for a return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on a sound note, beating Go Round FC 3-0 in Match Day One of the Nigerian National League (NNL) 2019/20 season.
Here, we take a look at two set of players, those who made their debut in the colours of the Oluyole Warriors and those who staged a return, having featured for the club, one rime or the other.
All the players have featured in various tune up games and pre season tourneys but the focus is on the league.
DEBUTANTS
DETAN OGUNDARE – The U-20 national team goalkeeper, who last featured for Kogi United took up the challenge of playing before the vociferous Ibadan soccer fans for the first time in a league match.and he was able to prove he deserved to be in between the sticks by keeping a clean slate.
GAFAR OLAFIMIHAN – A striker with the knack for goals. His presence was greatly felt, particularly in the second half when he became a thorn in the flesh of the visitors’ defence. One of his forays led to the second goal before he was substituted.
QUADRY RAHEEM- The experienced midfielder showed class in the middlle of the pack, making sure there was no room for the opponent to operate.
AWUJOLA SADIQ – The young lad, discovered through his football artistry for Saki United, was intruduced into the game as a second half substitute. For the few minutes he was on the pitch, he made a statement that he has what it takes to be in the team.
TIMILEHIN ADEYORIJU – The former Smart City of Lagos goalkeeper was on the bench. Although he did not taste action, that was the first time he was official dressed for a league game in the colours of Shooting Stars.
SEUN SOGBESO- The vastly experienced central back, who has featured for notable teams like ABS of Ilorin, Sunshine Stars of Akure and Nasarawa United, was listed in the 18 man team, although as one of the unused substitutes.
MOHAMMED MOHAMMED- Like Timilehin and Sogbeso, the ex ABS forward, was also on the bench, wearing the colours of 3SC in a competitive league game for rhe first time.
RETURNEES
NOJEEM OLUKOKUN- The gangling striker featured for the Ibadan soccer lords few seasons ago, before moving out to pitch tent with Nasarawa United. Olukokun spearheaded the team’s attack in Sunday’s opening fixture against Go Round.
IBRAHIM SALAWUDEEN – He once featured for 3SC under coach Gbenga Ogunbote. The midfielder is back to the Oluyole Warriors fold and was one of the 18 players dressed for the encounter.
ABAYOMI ADEBAYO – ‘Kante’, as the energetic midfielder is nicknamed, was among the returnees who made the line up for Sunday’s game. He came on as a second half substitute to contribute to the success of fhe team.
