Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left), Commissioner faor Youth and Sport, Abayomi Oke (middle) and the Secretary to the State Government, Olalekan Ali, during the match. PHOTO: NIYI ALEBIOSU.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, watched Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), for the first time since he assumed office and the team did not disappoint.
The Oluyole Warriors after a gruelling game defeated Sunshine Stars Football Club of Akure 2-1 in a match day 29 fixture of the Nigeria Premier League, to brighten their hope of retaining their slot in the top flight next season.
Governor Ajimobi had during his visit to 3SC two days to the match promised to come and motivate the team to victory, a promise he fulfilled, as he stormed the stadium with his entourage a few minutes after the kick off.
Former 3Sc striker, Meshack Chukwubuikem, was a thorn in the flesh of the homers as he kept mounting pressure on the defence of 3SC.
Meshack, eventually put the Owena Waves ahead in the 23rd minute when he cashed in on a defensive blunder to slot the ball past goalkeeper Charles Tembe.
Sunday Adetunji in the 31st minute drew parity as he converted a penalty kick awarded to 3SC after Ajani Ibrahim was brought down in the box.
Senator Ajimobi at recess went to the meet the Oluyole Warriors in the dressing room to give them words of encouragement.
Adetunji’s header in the early part of the second half off Salau Ibrahim’s corner kick missed the target.
What would have been the lead for 3SC in the 56th minute was wasted by lanky Adetunji as he shot wide in the box with only goalkeeper Ojo Olorunleke to displace.
As the match was approaching the end, goalkeeper Olorunleke began a drama perhaps to waste time falling down after virtually every move towards his goal area.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote in a bid to secure the maximum points for 3SC brought in Ifeanyi Ojukwu and Ebitimi Agogo later in the game, but the visitors handled by Solomon Ogbeide refused to let in another goal.
Fans of 3SC had goalkeeper Olorunleke to thank as, he in an attempt to stop Agogo brought the striker down during added time, leaving the centre referee with no option but to award another penalty kick to the homers.
Adetunji after the protest which greeted the decision of the referee by Sunshine Stars players, converted the resultant spot kick for his eight goal of the season.
Olorunleke, after the final whistle unable to bear the pain of defeat cried like a baby as he was consoled by his team-mates.
Speaking after the match, Ajimobi expressed joy at the turn out of spectators for the match saying his presence will really add value to 3SC as a team.
“I was really shocked to see the number of spectators here today. I’m really impressed and we would give our darling team all the needed support. I believe football promotes unity, healthy rivalry and empower the youths and we will create an enabling environment to make sport thrives in the state,” he said.
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