Shooting Stars will renew its rivalry with defending champions Remo Stars in the final of the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Recall in the last edition, the Sky Blue Stars mauled the Oluwole Warriors 4-0 to claim the trophy.

It’s a record for 3SC and Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as both are making it to a third final of the preseason tournament after the Oluyole Warriors defeat Sunshine Stars by three goals to one.

3SC produced a five-star performance to claim the bragging rights over their southwest neighbours, Sunshine Stars.

The game was full of suspense and fireworks with end-to-end football that produced four goals, and two in each half.

Anthony Okachi should have made it 1-0 for the Oluyole Warriors in the earliest period of the South West derby after his long-range shoot-on target rattled the crossbar of the Owen Whales. Sunshine Stars had their half chances but was not enough to put them ahead.

Shooting Stars took the lead in the 20th minute after good attacking teamwork, which saw Abdallahi Hassan finding the back of the net from a rebound as Mustapha Lawal punches Stone Samuel’s effort away.

Sunshine Stars didn’t let the lead last and responded 22 minutes after, as Uzoechi Ejike made it 1-1 scoring from the spot kick after a 3SC defender was penalized for a handball in the box.

Okachi, who was a thorn in the flesh of the Owena Whale defenders, turned away from his marker to shoot the ball beyond the reach of Sunshine Stars’ goalkeeper and restored 3SC’s lead.

As Sunshine Stars pushed for the equalising goal to stretch the game to a penalty shootout, they got punished in added minutes of regulation time.

A needless foul on 3SC Promise Damala in the Owena Whales box, made the referee to award a penalty against them.

And Joshua Akpan converted the spot kick, thereby putting the icing on the cake and made it 3-1 for 3SC.

The goal is Akpan’s fifth of the Optima Energy Gold Cup, thus making him the top scorer.

The final of the pre – season tournament will take place on Saturday at the Remo Stars stadium in Ikenne.

It was an inspiring showing from Sporting Lagos as they got a back-to-back win in the 10th edition of the Optima Energy Gold Cup as they shocked Gombe United at the FC Ebedei Stadium in Sagamu.

A good performance from both teams in the opening 38 minutes, as they showed quality in depth but not much of a shot on target at both ends.

Two minutes later, the real chance came for Sporting Lagos and they made the better of it, after Okon Saturday powered his way past a Gombe United defender with his strength inside the box, to shoot the ball beyond the reach of the goalkeeper.

Gombe United then resulted in high pressing as they searched for the equalising goal but Sporting Lagos were decent with their defending and not showing signs to let goal their lead.

The real chance to level the scoreline came for Gombe United from a set-piece close to the arch of Sporting Lagos box, but Sani’s effort from the well-taken free kick missed the target, to the relief of the Lagos-based team.

Sporting Lagos go top of Group B with the win with 6 points followed by Shooting Stars in the second spot with 3 points.

In the second Group A game, Sunshine Stars showed no mercy after they flogged Gateway United 3-1 to claim their first win in the Optima Energy Gold Cup at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.

The Owena Waves who were forced to a one-all draw by defending champion Remo Stars took 10 minutes to get the first goal.

Alani Azeez took advantage of  Gateway United schoolboy defending to tap into the net.

Sunshine Stars then increased their tally in the 29th minute with the second goal after Sulaimon Mojereola fired a rocket-like shot on target after he beat the off-side flag. 

This forced Gateway United to immediately reshuffle its personnel by introducing Olajide and Olukoya, as they kept it decent to the end of the 1st half.

It was the Edith Agoye lads all the way and they got the third goal after a tactical exchange of passes at the by-line, Emeka Emmanuel then appeared inside the final third to bury the past the goalkeeper in the 84th minute.

Less than 60 seconds later, Solomon Alade with a sensational strike then reduce the deficit as he scored Gateway United’s first goal in the Optima Energy Gold Cup.

Sunshine Stars who now have 4points, keep the chase on leaders Niger Tornadoes.

Abubakar Bala says his Tornadoes will show quality in their next Optima Energy Gold Cup matches against fellow NPFL sides Sunshine Stars and Remo Stars.

He said after the win against Hammola FC of Osogbo: “I’m delighted that we have used the first two games in the Optima Energy Gold Cup to test the new players, and garnered six points.

“It has given us an avenue to access the team and the options we have. If you saw our play against Gateway FC and Hammola FC, the players that played for Tornadoes were the lads that are trying out with us.

“Sincere thanks to the two teams we have played so far, as they exposed a few blind spots to us and also gave a good account of themselves. 

” Playing against the lower league teams is never easy, always tough and they are stubborn to beat, as they want to prove a point that they are good too by showing quality.

“Our striking options after two matches have not been fantastic but there is room for improvement.”

Ahead of Ikon Allah’s two tough matches against Sunshine Stars and defending champions Remo Stars, Bala hinted that his team will come good.

“Our Optima Energy Gold Cup campaign will begin with these two games. We have seen what the two teams are capable of, it was a tough game and they played good football.

“Expect a different NIger Tornadoes, as I’m going to start my best legs for the matches, as the fixture is like that of the Premier League. Men versus men and not against boys. 

“The results from these two matches can change the shape of the Group A table but on our part, anything short of 4points is nothing.”

Azeez Ajagbe and Leonard Ugochukwu were on the score sheet as Sunshine Stars ended a five-game winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Katsina United at the Akure Township Stadium on Saturday.

It was a result many thought would be celebrated by the club but the Akure Club’s Coach Emmanuel Deutsch was not in any such mood for celebrations, insisting the placing of the club at the end of the season will determine the mood.

Deutsch did cut a relieved figure at full time was quick to dedicate the win to fans of the club.

“The victory is for Sunshine Stars fans. Everyone had been waiting for it and I am glad we have found the nets again. I am not happy yet, at least not until the end of the season when I know where the team finished,” Deutsch told www.npfl.ng.

“We are now scoring goals. I hope we continue this way. In the past few days, I saw strong connection and support from the fans. I really hope we can continue this way,” he concluded.

The Owena Whales went into the game under some pressure having failed to win a game since April, and the run looked set to continue following a goalless result at half time of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) MatchDay 30 fixture.

However, Ajagbe lashed on a loose ball to give Sunshine Stars a 58th-minute lead before Ugochukwu was brought down in the box, and the former Heartland FC attacker stepped up to convert the resulting penalty kick in the 85th minute.

The goals ended Sunshine Stars’ run of five matches without scoring a goal. The victory was also the first for the Owena Whales in their last seven matches against Katsina United.

MATCH STATS

Sunshine Stars XI

23. Japhet Opubo, 4. Habeeb Yakub, 5. John Bello, 11. Leonard Ugochukwu (Adebari 87′), 13. Ike Brandon (Kehinde 87′), 17. Azeez Ajagbe, 18. Ikenna Cooper (Awosanmi 55′), 28. Anthony Anioke, 30. Ebonam Nwogbaga, 33. Mutiu Dauda, 35. Vincent Temitope (Olalusi 55′) 

SUBS

22. Olufefemi Kayode, 3. Chigozie Chilekwu, 6. Chinedu Ozor, 10. Sunday Abe, 12. Kehinde Adeyemi, 26. Michael Olalusi, 29. Kamoru Adebari, 36. Joshua Erukusin, 38. Promise Awosanmi 

GOAL: Azeez Ajagbe 58′, Leonard Ugochukwu (PK) 85′

YELLOW CARD: Vincent Temitope 12′, Habib Yakub 36′

Katsina United XI

Nwabali Stanley 12, Franck C Kappe 22, Nasiru Sani 3, Usman Baru’u 4, Egbe Manyo 23, Gerome Heutchoukulong 2, Mustapha Salisu 16, Matthew Emmanuel 14 (Omoyele 66′), Ahmed Abdoul’taofeek 9 (Anayo 90′), Boubakar Talatou 27, Adebayo Waheed 32 (Madaki 88′)

SUBS

Elkana Godgift 1, Nafiu Ibrahim 24, Madaki Dauda 18, Aliyu Musa 35, Anayor Emanuel 17, Omaka Chukwudi 25, Tosin Omoyele 11, Hassan Abubakar 6, Amah Chibundu

GOAL: NIL

YELLOW CARD: Boubakar Talatou 36′, Stanley Nwabali 79′

Barely few days after terminating his contract with Apex Krane FC, a higher Institution based in Lagos has offered the job of a Technical Director to Coach Yusuf Salihu.

According to the offer, Coach Yusuf Salihu will resume with the high grade University after the interview which will come up next week in Lagos.

Recall that the Tactician joined Apex Krane after matchday three of the NNL current season. The CAF B licensed Coach has now decided to take up new challenge after leaving the Delta State based team.

” I am still considering the mouthwatering offer as I talk to you, but will keep you posted after meeting with the interview panel because I am still available to any Club that is serious to comply with my terms”. Said the gaffer who left his former club after the end of the NNL first round.

During his days with Apex Krane, Coach Salihu, who set the best and first ever record of three matches unbeaten in the history of Apex Krane FC as the Technical Adviser oversaw ten matches, won three, drew two and lost five games.

The former ABS FC, Yarmalight FC, Offa FC and Sunshine Stars FC Coach is also targeting return to Premier League side as soon as possible.

It was a rain of goals and display of natural talent and soccer artistry as Remo Stars FC U-15 side put Abia Warriors FC U-15 to the sword, in Day 3 of the ongoing NPFL Laliga U-15 Premises Youth League.

The Junior Sky Blues raced into an early lead with two quick goals from Arierhi Kparoboa and Adejimi Peter, while entertaining the fans with their individual skills and team cohesion at the same time.

They put the game beyond the reach of the young Warriors with three second half goals from Promise Meliga, Peter Adejimi and Oreoluwa Agbenla.

Remo stars coach, Tiago Conde, while giving his post match reaction said; “The early goals we got in the match actually paved the way for us to do far better in the second half.

“Although after the first two goals, the boys lost focus for a while and then, the second half was far better and they got three goals, but above all, team work, consistency, determination and commitment is key; if we have all these in our team at any point in time during this competition, I am sure we would go far.”

In the second match of the day, goals from Kolawole Olalekan, Mahmud Balogun and Olatunji Yusuf ensure that Gombe United U-15 side fell to the fire power of Kwara United U-15. However, the North Eastern team didn’t go down without a fight, as a consolatory goal from Miko Dalhat saw the scoreline at 3-1 after the final whistle.

In his post match reaction, the coach of Kwara United, Mukaila Ayala maintained that his side has greatly improved compared to how they played in the last edition in Enugu.

“I am happy with the way we played; the team has improved tremendously compared to how we played in the last edition. We created a lot of chances but we couldn’t utilize anyone of them, but this time around, it is a different ball game, as we were able to utilize three of our chances in the first half.”

The final match of the day saw team Rangers Int’l beat Sunshine Stars 2-1, with goals from Salami Taiwo and Sunday Oreoluwa, while Adeyemi Ola got the only goal for the young Gunners of Akure.

Rangers stayed in 3rd after they were forced to a 0-0 draw by visiting Sunshine Stars at the Awka City Stadium while Remo Stars also stayed one point adrift of the Flying Antelopes in 4th after a 1-1 draw against Nasarawa United in Jos.

Remo went in front in the 49th minute when club’s top scorer, Andy Okpe finished a fine pass by Qudus Akanni but Nasarawa United replied five minutes later when former junior international King Osanga’s free kick took a deflection before nestling inside the net.
In Kaduna, Kwara United earned their own away point after holding hosts Wikki Tourists to a 1-1 draw. Former CHAN Eagles star Abubakar Aliyu gave Wikki the lead in the 13th minute through a well executed volley. Kwara United however drew level ten minutes from time through Abdulsalam Abdulsalam as Abdullahi Biffo’s men stayed in 5th.
Reigning champions Akwa United continued their unbeaten start to new coach Deji Ayeni’s reign after a creditable 1-1 draw at Gombe United. Adam Yakubu gave Akwa United the lead in the 16th minute but Abdulazeez Yusuf restored parity for the hosts in the 36th minute when he converted from the penalty spot. Neither side could find a winner in the second half.
In a result that mattered for relegation ramification, Abia Warriors played out a 1-1 draw against ten-man Niger Tornadoes in Okigwe. Warriors took the lead through winger Paul Samson whose 20-yard effort beat Tornadoes goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi but young defender Augustine Njoku inadvertently put Idris Munir’s ball into his own goal. Tornadoes played the last six minute with ten men after left back Gabriel Wassa was dismissed for two bookable offences. Only Dakkada FC and Shooting Stars secured wins on Saturday, the latter giving themselves a huge lift in the relegation battle after a 2-1 win over basement side Heartland in Uyo. Israel Emmanuel gave Dakkada the lead in the 28th minute when he connected Emmanuel Ayaosi’s brilliant cross before captain Aniekan Ekpe doubled their lead with his fourth penalty goal of the season in the 53rd minute. Heartland pulled one back in the 64th minute through Monday Yakubu but could not find a leveller.
In Ibadan, 3SC recorded their biggest win of the season so far after two quick fire goals by striker Emmanuel Lukcy gave them a needed 3-0 win over Lobi Stars in Ibadan. Lucky first pounced on some slothful defending to a set-piece to give his side the lead in the 3rd minute before getting his brace in the 18th minute while heading home another free kick. Substitute Ayo Adejubu then provided gloss to the scoreline ten minutes from time, netting after a solo effort.

Saturday’s results
Gombe United 1-1 Akwa United
3SC 3-0 Lobi StarsKano Pillars 0-0 Katsina United (TBC)Rangers 0-0 Sunshine StarsAbia Warriors 1-1 TornadoesWikki Tourists 1-1 Kwara UnitedDakkada FC 2-1 HeartlandNasarawa United 1-1 Remo Stars
Sunday
Plateau United vs MFM FC
MondayRivers United vs Enyimba

Kolade Adeniji proved decisive as Sunshine Stars triumphed 1-0 at home to 10-man Plateau United in a frenetic NPFL match day 20 meeting at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode on Sunday.

A display defined by willpower and resilience drove the Owena Whales to the victory that brought the Tin City boys invincible run to a halt, after 12 matches.

The starting shirts handed Ebonam Nwagboga, Azeez Ajagbe and Ejike Uzoechi by acting Head Coach, Kayode Adeyemi meant no fewer than three changes were made to the side that lost to today’s opponents in the last game of the first stanza.

Our boys edged the early battle for possesion and had the first opening at goal when Azeez Ajagbe released Samson Olasupo after five minutes, but the later’s shot was kept out by Suraj Ayeleso, while Ikenna Cooper sent his effort on the rebound high.

Mustpaha Lawal who again proved to be one of the best savers in the league dived low to tip behind from a pile driver in the 37th minute before combining with Mutiu Dauda to repel the visitors in quick succession.

We almost end the opening half with a goal but Cooper’s effort from a square ball was deflected behind, while Ajagbe rattled Ayeleso with a fierce shot from the the resulting corner kick. 

Olasupo went close to slotting home the opener just after the restart, however his effort past onrushing Ayeleso drifted wide

Sunday Anthony caused a scare at our goal with a long range free kick that sailed just wide of Lawal’s right post on the hour mark.

In the 65th minute Dauda went close with a free kick at the opponents end; his curling ball from an acute angle was stopped by the frame while the follow up on the rebound was off the mark.

Then a moment later our boys appealed for a penalty when Cooper went down under a challenge in the area, but the referee appeared unconvinced.

Onyeka Nwaiwu who put in a great shift from his holding midfield role intervened in the area with a decisive clearance that denied the Fidelis Ilechukwu’s side a real chance after 71 minutes of play.

The former champions were reduced to 10 men as Haggai Katoh was sent to the early shower for a second bookable offense.

Adeniji, like he did in the crucial 3-2 win over Plateau United last season, put us in front with a low header at the near-post, off Dauda’s cross 12 minutes from time.

Goalkeeper Lawal pulled a big save in added time by tipping over from a header at close range to ensure Sunshine Stars take home all points and moved up to sixth despite a late rally from the away side.

POST MATCH REACTION 

Acting Head Coach, Adeyemi faced the media at the end of the NPFL classic and his words were transcribed below by Sunshjne Stars media.

“I am very, very happy, although I know what my boys can do and we didn’t change from the philosophy that is on ground. Even when we traveled to Jos we played them very well, but that is their own home.

“I give the boys kudos for what they have done. Now our target is to get a point off Wikki in our next match.”

Sunshine XI | Lawal; James (Ozor 62′), Anioke, Uzoechi, Dauda; Nwaiwu, Cooper, Ajagbe (Awosanmi 62′); Adeniji (Olalusi 89′), Nwogbaga (Jimoh 54′), Olasupo (Hadi 54′)

Unused Subs | Ariyo; Abe, Chilekwu, Pius Ojo 

Caution | 79′

Chris Okunnuwa 
Media Head; SSFC 
IG, FB & Twitter: @SunshineFCAkure  

The Owena Whales had to hold on to beat Rivers United by a lone goal on the last day of the league to ensure they retain their status in the top flight.

Executive Chairman of Ondo State Football Association, Otunba Sunday Dele Ajayi told reporters on Sunday in Benin, the venue for this year’s Aiteo Cup final that it was as a result of concerted efforts by football stakeholders in the state with a positive approach from the government that saw Sunshine beat the drop.

Otunba Ajayi who was making a return to the helm of football affairs in the state noted that all hands must be on deck to see the club remain permanently in the league.

He also advised the Ondo State government to reconsider her stand on selling the club to a private body.

“I told the government and people of Ondo State that Sunshine will not go on relegation under my watch as FA Chairman and by God’s grace, we achieve that.

“Since the election has been conducted and I’m the chairman of the state FA, I mobilized all stakeholders to put in our best resources to see the club stay in the Premier League.

“We’ve done our part and it’s now left for the (Ondo State) government what they want to do with the team (to stay in the NPFL).

“We will need to sit down with the stakeholders and government to determine what they want to do on time so that they will start preparation and recruitment for the new season in earnest, and if Government wants to sell they can go ahead, but for now we’ve tried our best to see the team stay in the NPFL.

“I told the government you cannot sell a dilapidated house, it has to be renovated first. We have renovated the house (Sunshine Stars) so they can decide on selling it or not,” he said.

The business tycoon cum veteran sports administrator was asked what he expects from the club next season and he said “We are in the Premier League with the concerted efforts from everyone identified with the team and I’m confident next season we are going to fight for a continental ticket.”

Following two serial defeats in the hands of MFM and Warri Wolves in Match Days 22 and 23 in Lagos and Ozorro respectively, Lobi Stars technical crew and players passed a joint resolution to up their game and bounce back to winning ways as they host deep necked relegation threatened Sunshine Stars Akure in an NPFL 2020/2021 Match Day 24 of 38 on Sunday May 30, 2021 at The Aper Aku Stadium Makurdi.

Placed 11th on the log, the lowest in six years, Lobi Stars will be out tomorrow to commence a redemption flight with the hope of exiting from the current position and moving deep in to the first half of the league table to keep their status in the NPFL.

Taking a look at the opponents run in the league to have traverse 16 games without a win, amidst reported under motivation and Climaxed by the resignation of Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, one will simply give it to the pride of Benue, considering the fact that they have not drop a home point since Match Day 11 having won all the last 6 home games, but there is no known formula to pre calculate the result of a game in association football.

Though as enbattled as Sunshine Stars appear to be, they are also committed to fight their way out of relegation waters, and such zeal could spring a surprise in Makurdi, a fact Lobi Stars needs to  acknowledge.

Statistically, Lobi Stars stand unattractively taller with 31 points from 22 games, placed 11th on the log, scoring 24 goals and conceding 22 at an average of 1.09 per game, while Sunshine Stars are 18th placed, played 23 games, scored 14 and conceding 22, with whooping 8 goal deficit. Coincidentally, the above stats put the defense power of the two clubs at equal strength and nothing else.

In the all time head to head, Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars played a total of 26 games with Lobi winning 11 games, 7 draws and 8 loses. Most recent 5 encounters put Lobi Stars at 3 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss.

In the final analysis, as beautiful as the statistics seem to fall in favour of Lobi Stars, they are not a determinant for victory. Lobi Stars need to match words with action to appease their teeming fans who have recently shown displeasure on their recent outings, especially the last two serial loses.

Austin Tyowua
Media Officer
Lobi Stars FC
08033771180

30/05/2021