Though Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, fell 0-2 to Niger Tornadoes of Minna, in a matchday seven match of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, politicians from the state shelved their political differences to watch the Oluyole soccer lords.
Senator Kola Balogun, Akin Alabi, Abass Agboworin, Funke Adesiyan and other from Oyo State were on hand to cheer the team. Seun Fakorede, commissioner for youth and sports, was on ground to host them.
But the Oluyole warriors, who 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, lost to the Minna-based side, courtesy of a a goal in each half.
The Ibadan soccer lords started the game on a bright note, showing aigns 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 ocassional 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.
