By Tosin Omojola Media Officer, 3SC
The chief coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan Edith Olumide Agoye, said his team’s victory in the second edition of the Prince Dapo Abiodun Preseason Tourney in Ijebu-Ode, was proof that the team is ready for hostilities in the Nigeria National League (NNL).
The Oluyole Warriors successfully defended the trophy they won last year, after battling hard to beat Lobi Stars of Makurdi 1-0 in the final played on Tuesday.
Gafar Olafimihan’s third-minute strike, was enough to earn the Ibadan soccer lords victory as they held onto that goal, warding off Lobi’s efforts to levels up, to emerge victoriously, thus retaining the cup.
In his post-match comments, Agoye hinted that the performance of his boys in the tourney in which twelve-team, including six NPFL side, participated, was a clear indication that the preparations the team started since resumption from the COVID -19 break, has yielded the desired results.
“For seven months, we, like every other club, have been on a break due to the outbreak of the pandemic but since we resumed a few weeks ago, we have been working to bring the boys back to shape and we are happy with the progress we have made.
“Winning a big tournament like this, is a pointer to the fact that we are ready to fight for promotion from the NNL to the NPFL when the 2020/21 season starts,” said the 3SC sweat merchant.
He disclosed that the team will take positives from the just concluded preseason tournament and continue the build-up to the kick-off of the new season, with securing the all-important promotion ticket as the main target.
“I am very optimistic that by the grace of God and with the support of the Oyo State Government, ably led by His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, who has been our pillar, the management of 3SC, led by Rasheed Balogun and our teeming supporters home and abroad., we will surely grab the ticket this season”.
Meanwhile, the tactician heaped praises on his players for fighting hard to beat the hard fighting Makurdi based side who were determined to avenge the defeat they suffered at the hands of the Oluyole Warriors during the maiden edition held last year.
“I want to give it to the boys. It was a very difficult one but they fought till the end to ensure we retain the trophy. Kudos to them, kudos to my assistants, our Team Manager Dimeji Lawal and every other member of staff, it was a collective effort that made it possible”, Eshin, as the gaffer is fondly called, concluded.
