It was another bad day for the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, as the Oluyole Warriors fell 0-2 to Niger Tornadoes of Minna, in a matchday seven match of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Ibadan soccer lords, had hoped to pick something positive from this game, played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja,, after last Sunday’s 2-2 home draw against Sunshine Stars, but a goal in each half by the Minna based side gave the Ikon Allah boys all maximum points.
Federal lawmakers from the pace setter state, Senator Kola Balogun, Honourable Muraina Ajibola Saubana, Honourable Abass Agboworin, Honourable Yemi Taiwo and Honourable Akin Alabi, all honoured the invitation of the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, who apart from making it down to the FCT, also rallied support for the team in the encounter.
The Ibadan soccer lords started the game on a bright note, showing signs of their readiness to grab something from the game, as they pressed for the opener.
Tornadoes’ goalkeeper, Lucky Jimoh, who was the busiest of the two goalies in the early stages of the match, could not finish the game as he was replaced by George Michael.
However, it was the host who shot into the lead in the 60th minute through Martins Usule, who finished off a counter attack on the visitors.
Efforts by the Stars to level up failed to yield as Tornadoes ensured they took the slender lead into the break.
The second half commenced with the Oluyole Warriors again, pressing for the leveller, yet there was no breakthrough.
Despite being caged in their own half, it was Tornadoes that added to their tally, when Munir Musa’s shot eluded the 3SC defense, leaving goalkeeper Dede Dare with no chance at all.
Despite fighting hard to come back into the game, 3SC could not find the cutting edge, as Tornadoes defended well, while also trying to increase the tally, making use of occasional counter attacks.
The result remained unchanged till referee Aguguesi Franklin from Imo State blew the final whistle.
Shooting Stars’ next fixture is a home game against Kwara United on Sunday.
