Shooting Stars hat-trick hero against Beyond Limits, Akpan Joshua has given credit to Gbengba Ogunbote and his teammates following his goal scoring form on Matchday One of the Optima Energy Gold Cup which kicked off on Thursday in Ikenne and Sagamu.
It took Akpan 13 minutes to score three goals after Beyond Limits Ebenezer Akinsanmiro had scored the first goal of the tourney with a cool finish in the 30th minute.
Akpan scored from two free kicks in the 52nd and 60th minute and put the icing on the cake with a finish from the penalty spot in the 63rd to hand Beyond Limits their biggest loss in the Optima Energy Gold Cup.
“Ogunbote was furious with us at halftime as we were a goal down, he told us about the few mistakes we made and going forward, he said we should keep pressing as Beyond Limits players would make theirs half, Akpan said.
“At the end that happened as we scored from open play, got two free kicks, and a penalty.
“I want to thank him for giving me the chance for proving myself and my teammates for the support, as we try to understand ourselves on the pitch better.”
The former Abia Comets midfielder who is trying to seal his place in the Oluyole Warriors ahead the NPFL season, says he hopes to score more goals and help the club to win the Optima Energy Gold Cup.
“With the support of everyone, I hope to keep scoring, win the Optima Energy Gold Cup and be in shape for the upcoming season.”
After securing the 3points, Shooting Stars will be up against Gombe United in their second Group B game on Saturday at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.
