Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), one of Nigeria’s most storied football clubs has officially unveiled eight new signings, including goalkeeper Abiodun Akande and left-back Ikouwem Udom.
The additions are part of the club’s strategy to bolster its squad ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season.
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Also unveiled were the home, away and alternative jerseys to be used by the team in the coming season.
Th list of the eight players unveiled included goalkeepers Abiodun Akande from Rivers United, Mustapha Lawal from Sunshine Stars, central defender, Ojietefian Sylvester, from Enyimba, left-back, Ikouwem Udom, who joins from Avenir Sportif De la Marsar of Tunisia, midfielder, Abubakar Aliu from Lobi Stars, Adebayo Abayomi formerly of Remo Stars, Bolaji Sakin Simeon, who is teaming up with the Oluyole Warriors from Congolese side, AS Otoho and striker, Ayanrinde Samuel, who last featured for Sporting Lagos FC.
Addressing journalists during the unveiling, the Executive Chairman of the Oluyole Warriors, Honourable Babatunde Olaniyan Akoro, disclosed that it’s just a phase of the unveiling programmes they line up as the comprehensive one will be coming later at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
He clarified that urgent official assignments he would be engaging in outside the state called for the impromptu arrangement. He asserted that the club aims to improve on the performance of last season, hence the recruitment of quality legs who will be able to complement the efforts of the retained players.
He disposed that the team retained most of the best legs from last season’s squad, to give room for continuity, explaining that the club deliberately ensured coach Gbenga Ogunbote remained with the club for that purpose as well.
Honourable Olaniyan, who revealed that the club would be gunning for the league title this season, also stated that a few more players would still be unveiled as the Ibadan soccer lords intensify efforts for a rewarding 2024/25 season.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, in his own words, said the recruitments were done to specifically solve the problems encountered in some departments last season. The Oracle further hinted that the attack is still being worked on and hopes to get fixed in the nick of time.
On his part, the General Manager of the club, Dimeji Lawal, expressed confidence that the new additions to the Oluyole Warriors will add quality to the team, assuring the followers of the club a successful outing.
He then appreciated the Executive Governor of the State, His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde for the massive support he is giving to the club and called for the teeming fans to keep supporting the club as football is team work.