We Were Unlucky in Home Draw Against Heartland - Ogunbote

We Were Unlucky in Home Draw Against Heartland - Ogunbote

Technical Adviser of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Gbenga Ogunbote, has described as unfortunate, the goalless draw recorded by his side against the visiting Heartland FC of Owerri.

Thousands of the supporters and fans of the Oluyole Warriors watched as their darling team dominated proceedings throughout the matchday eleven tie, but ended up wasting all the numerous chances that came their way.

In his post match comments, the Oracle described the result as unfortunate, blaming it on the inability of his players to make use of the chances created.

"I think it's one of the moments in the game, this is a game we deserved to win honestly, but our inability to convert our chances robbed us the victory today, we will take the positives from it and move on" stated Ogunbote.

On the conversion of chances, the gaffer, who hinted that his team did not underrate the visitors, said the team will continue to work on it 

"Even if we had scored ten goals today, we will still not stop working on the art of goal scoring, we will go back and do the needful to ensure that we take our chances".

The 3SC chief tactician said the result had nothing to do with the couple of changes made in the team for the game, stressing that those changes were necessitated by the circumstances on ground.

"Every player was registered to play. Some of our players have knocks, and were not available for selection, so all the ones that played, did their best, but unfortunately, we were unable to convert our chances".

Ahead of Wednesday's southwest derby against Sunshine Stars in Akure, the ex Lobi Stars sweat merchant, said his team will be going for something positive from the game but prayed for a level praying ground.

Lobi Stars 2-1 Shooting Stars: Late Penalty Earns Lobi All Points

Lobi Stars 2-1 Shooting Stars: Late Penalty Earns Lobi All Points

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan were undone by a late penalty kick,  as Lobi Stars laboured to a 2-1 over the Oluyole Warriors in a Matchday 10 fixture.

The top of the table clash, played at the Lafia City Stadium, Lafia, saw the homers take an early lead through Adebayo Waheed's second minutes goal.

The Oluyole Warriors soon shrugged off the shocking early goal as they settled down to get back into the game.

The coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored lads were unlucky not to have leveled up before the half time as Christian Pyagbara saw his effort cleared on the line by a Lobi Stars' defender, thus helping the Makurdi based side in keeping their slim lead into the break.

The second half was barely four minutes old when the Oluyole Warriors deservedly levelled up, courtesy of a fantastic strike by substitute Gideon Monday, with left back Olawale Mutiu providing the assist, his third of the campaign.

The goal brought out the best in both sides as they strived to take the lead.

Shooting Stars' defense line had to be at its best to curtail the homers' who raided the Warriors' goal area but found it hard to put the ball beyond goalkeeper Anozie Chinedu, who was impressive in between the sticks.

Mother luck smiled on the hosts few minutes to the end when they were awarded a penalty kick after 3SC goal scorer, Gideon Monday handled the ball inside the dangerous area.

Kalu Orji made no mistake from the spot to score what would become the winning goal of the pulsating encounter, as the  Ibadan soccer lords rallied for late a leveller, but were unlucky not to grab it deep into the added time as Ayobami Junior and Alex Aghahowa's efforts   narrowly missed the target.

Despite the loss, Shooting Stars remain third on the log with 17 points and will aim at returning to winning ways next Sunday when they play host to Heartland FC of Owerri in a matchday eleven fixture.

Kwara Utd vs Shooting Stars: Oluyole Warriors Invade Ilorin for Harmony Boys

Kwara Utd vs Shooting Stars: Oluyole Warriors Invade Ilorin for Harmony Boys 

Ogunbote Hopes for Level Playing Ground

A mouth watering clash is in the offing as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, tackles host, Kwara United FC of Ilorin, in a matchday eight encounter, billed for the Kwara Sports Complex.

The Ibadan soccer lords  hit the Kwara State capital in high sprit, fresh from last Sunday's 4-1 win over Niger Tornadoes, which they hope to consolidate on.

While the Oluyole Warriors will be gingered by the matchday seven victory, the Harmony Boys will in contrast, fight to return to winning ways having lost 0-1 to Enyimba in Aba.

Shooting Stars will also be bouyed by their good run over Kwara United in their meetings last  season, having forced the coach Kabiru Dogo side to.goaless draw in Ibadan, their (Kwara United) adopted home then, before securing a 1 nil win in Akure, courtesy of Akpan Joshua's late strike in Akure 

Ahead of Sunday's game, Technical Adviser of 3SC, Gbenga Ogunbote, said his team will approach the encounter with the sole aim of getting something positive.

"It is another ball game and like I use to say, sometimes, it is difficult to predict the game, but we will go there to represent the club to the best of our abilities and then with good officiating, we should be able to come out with something positive," the Oracle stated.

We Will Continue to Improve, 3SC Coach Ogunbote Assures

We Will Continue to Improve, 3SC Coach Ogunbote Assures

The 4-1 defeat of Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna by the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Sunday's Matchday seven encounter was as a result of the determination on the part of the team.

Technical Adviser of the Oluyole Warriors, Gbenga Ogunbote, while reacting to the handsome win over the Ikon Allah Boys, said the team was all out on a redemption mission, after the 0-3 loss to Remo Stars on matchday six.

"It was a game we made up our mind to give our all, with the aim of redeeming our image and also to make our fans happy after that loss in Ikenne.

"We actually worked for it, even when we conceded that goal, we were still optimistic that we will make it. So it was a game of sheer determination in which everybody was at his best to ensure that we get the result", the gaffer stated.

He assured that the team will always get better as the season progresses, stressing that the team, made up mostly of new players, was still been knocked together.

Oracle, as the sweat merchant is popularly called, gave an update on the injury of first choice goalie, Darlintin Ovunda, saying that the medics have given an assurance that the former Rivers United goalkeeper will soon return to action, just as he defended goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie for the goal conceded against Tornadoes.

NPFL: Shooting Stars vs Niger Tornadoes: Wounded Warriors Set to Vent Spleen on Ikon Allah Boys

Shooting Stars vs Niger Tornadoes: Wounded Warriors Set to Vent Spleen on Ikon Allah Boys

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan are in no mood for anything short of a convincing win as they play host to Niger Tornadoes of Minna on Sunday.

The Oluyole Warriors return to their slaughter slab, the Lekan Salami Stadium for the matchday seven fixture against the IKon Allah boys, fresh from last Wednesday's disappointing loss to Remo Stars in Ikenne.

Going by the mood of the players, ahead of the match, Niger Tornadoes are surely in the capital city of the pacesetter state at a very wrong time.

"We were all disappointed by the defeat in Ikenne, it wasn't what we bargained for but in football, it happens like that sometimes 

"Now that we are back home, we have no option than to make up for the loss, so as to wipe out that painful memories and Sunday's game against Tornadoes presents the best chance for us to to do that. That's exactly what we are going for, not just winning, but winning convincingly", said skipper Malomo Taofeek.

Tornadoes' visit to Ibadan have always ended in defeats for the Minna based side, and going by the current form of the Oluyole Warriors on home soil this season, the tide will definitely remain the same, moreso that the Hamza Abara tutored lads have been struggling on the road this season.

The last time both sides met at the same venue was during the 2021/22 season, May 8, 2022 to be precised, with Moses Omoduemuke's seventh minute goal separating them.

Remo Stars Defeat: Ogunbote Rues Careless Defending, Poor Marksmanship

Remo Stars Defeat: Ogunbote Rues Careless Defending, Poor Marksmanship

The Technical Adviser of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Gbenga Ogunbote, has attributed careless defending, as well as poor finishing for the 0-3 defeat suffered in the hands of Remo Stars.

In his post match interview, coach Ogunbote, said even though the team lost the encounter, his players did not perform badly, saying. "The game has been played, won and lost, we take the positives from it.  

"I think we had some careless moments, the boys didn't play badly, but we were unable to defend well enough to at least secure a point," added the gaffer.

On the next home game against Niger Tornadoes, the Oracle, as the sweat merchant is fondly called, expressed the readiness of the team to get it right in the matchday seven fixture on Sunday.

"We will go back and prepare for the game. As you can see, the challenge we had today, was the final touch, we've been working on it and we will continue to work on it until perfection is achieved," stated the former Rangers International, Lobi Stars and Sunshine Stars' handler.

SPORTS: HONORABLE MINISTER OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT ENTHUSED BY CYCLERS

HONORABLE MINISTER OF SPORTS DEVELOPMENT ENTHUSED BY CYCLERS

 It has been very revealing what's going on in our various sports communities,all targeted at growing grassroot sports and encouraging private sector involvement_ 

The Honorable Minister of Sports Development,Senator John Owan Enoh was present at the Pitstop Lagos Criterium , a monthly cycling race organized by the Pitstop community to promote grassroots cycling , athleticism and Adopt a Youth initiative which seeks to shape responsible, dedicated, and exemplary youths through academic sponsorship, cycling, employment and mentorship by senior members of the cycling community.

The Minister stated clearly the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda for Sports Development in the country, paying apt attention to the various sports and their Federations for proper development from the grassroot through to advanced levels.

"The race is highly appreciated ,and we should be encouraged by Governments presence " he said.

Giving the Sports Minister a brief on the Pitstop Cycling community ,Adebisi Adebutu a senior Pitstop mentor said the consistency of the event for the past four years has attracted major corporate sponsors such as Access Bank, Craneburg Construction and Ìlúbìrìn Lagos Island.

Mentor Adebisi said :

"This has in turn spiked interest in cycling such that it has become the fastest growing sport in the country attracting a wide demography from across professional and recreational cyclist. Cycling has developed this deep ecosystem that is providing hope and opportunity to the young people involved in the sport". 

He further mentioned that the cycling community has promoted the “adopt an athlete” initiative of the Sports Ministry that has seen so many athletes being supported by recreational riders. 

The Honorable Minister of Sports lauded the Sponsors of the event and encouraged more Corporate Organizations , the private sector to be encouraged to do more.

" Having me come here sends a signal on the Ministries Openness to collaborate with corporate organisations to develop grassroot sports and encourage greater private sector participation".

 

Pitstop Lagos Criterium had 50 participants and three teams,team Access, team Craneburg and team Ilubirin . The competitors did 23 laps on the Dolphin loop.

Isaac Gana emerged 1st position and winner of the grand prize of one million naira . Team Access won the best team .

The event was graced by top members of the community who are also mentors including Adebisi Adebutu,John Adesioye,Busola Songonuga and Femi Ehindero.

Signed:

Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development.

30th October 2023

NASARAWA UNITED PROMISE 'NEW STYLE' AS THEY UNVEIL USMAN ADAMS AS COACH.

Nasarawa United Football Club have appointed Usman Adams as their new Technical Adviser before the home fans and media.

After going through several applications from potential candidates seeking to replace Coach Bala Nikyu who resigned his position following the Club's abysmal performance last season in the Nigeria Premier Football League, the 2021 Aiteo Federation Cup Runners-up settled for their former Coach, Usman Adams.

 

Speaking to the Press shortly after his presentation at the Lafia City Stadium on Wednesday, 18th October, Coach Adams Usman said the task to return Nasarawa United back to the elite domestic football league after being relegated is non-regotiable as the trust of the financier and supporters of Club would not be toyed with.

"I want to seize this opportunity to thank the Management and Government of Nasarawa State for finding me worthy to deliver on the mandate.

"My job is to get the Club back to where they belong to, which is the Premier League, and this also requires developing the players to get the best out of them, both individually and collectively.

"With my Technical Crew, we will ensure we assemble a formidable team that can withstand any test and achieve the task given to us, and also be able to renew the victory hopes of the Solid Miners' supporters and fans alike."

Club Chairman, Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed, said the arrival of Coach Adams Usman will accentuate the beginning of a new era, with a totally "new style of play."

The Nasarawa State-born Adams Usman has enjoyed coaching stints in various football Clubs, both in Nigeria and beyond.

He qualified defunct Kada City FC to the elite Nigeria Premier Football League in the 2018/2019 Season after emerging as NNL Super 8 Champions; He coached NPFL sides, Katsina United in 2002, and Sunshine Stars FC, including leading the Akure Gunners to the Semi-Finals of the CAF Cup in 2011.

He was Assistant Coach of Nigeria's Flying Eagles and National 5-A-Side to Honk Kong, as well as Hilal Kaduguli of Sudan between 2008/2010.

The gaffer was invited to attend the France 1998 Senior FIFA Men's World Cup as Observer.

It is the third return of Adams Usman as Coach of Nasarawa United, having coached the Solid Miners in the past, in 2007, and between 2011/12.

His first test in charge of Nasarawa United is a home game at the Lafia City Stadium against Jedo FC on Saturday, 28th October, 2023, in the 2023/24 Nigeria National League season.

Signed:

 Amos (Fellow, CBS),

Media Officer,

Nasarawa United FC.

18/10/2023

Ogunbote Shifts Focus to Gombe United Tie

Ogunbote Shifts Focus to Gombe United Tie

Aftermath his side's 0-2 loss to Bendel Insurance in Benin on Saturday, the Technical Adviser of the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), has shifted his focus to the next game.

The Ibadan soccer lords, lost the Matchday two fixture to the Benin Arsenals, despite dominating proceedings in the encounter.

In his post match briefing, the former Lobi Stars and Rangers International of Enugu handler, said he had already put the game behind him and was already looking forward to the next game, which is a Matchday three fixture against Gombe United in Ibadan 

"This game had been played, won and lost, we take the positives from the game and be better in the next game.

The Oracle, as the gaffer is fondly called, expressed satisfaction with the performance of his players in the encounter, even as he exonerated them of any blame for the loss .

"We played well all through the game. Sometimes, there are things that can be irritating, the players are human beings.

"As far as I am concerned, all I want to say is, we will take the positives from the game, we have lost the game, we have lost it, there is nothing anybody can do about it," the tactician stated.

When asked to comment on officiating of the game, the ex Sunshine Stars of Akire coach said; "As journalists, I expect that when you watch a game, you should be able to have an independent report as regards officiating. That's why you are here".

Own Goal: Gali Falke Apologises to Shooting Stars Supporters

Own Goal: Gali Falke Apologises to Shooting Stars Supporters

"Says it was not intentional

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan right back, Gali Falke, has apologised to the teeming supporters and fans of the club, after he mistakenly headed the ball into his own net in the team's 0-2 loss to Bendel Insurance of Benin.

Gali, one of the Oluyole Warriors' most dedicated and committed players, unintentionally headed past goalkeeper Ovunda Darlintin in an attempt to head Stanley Okorom's cross out of danger.

The development has become a topical issue, with some people accusing the player of deliberately nodding in the ball..

Although, some football followers, analysts, journalists, his club officials and teammates have risen in his defence, the former EFCC of Abuja defender, has come out to clear his name.

"I want to sincerely tender my apology to the supporters and fans of this great club for what happened in Benin on Saturday.

"What happened was not intentional. My aim was to nod out for safety, but the ball mistakenly went past my goalkeeper.

"I was very sad and it really affected my game. I had to shrug off the disappointment to continue the match, believing that we will definitely come back and get something positive from the game.

 "have read a lot after the match, but I want to tell everyone that I am very sorry. I have never been involved in any match fixing or betting before and I will never be involved in such an act.

"It was a mistake and I have made up my mind to forget it and give my best for the team in subsequent matches and more importantly to make up for that mistake", stated the soft spoken, reliable right back..

Gali was recently named as the first vice captain of the Oluyole Warriors and he was named as one of the best players on Matchday one of the new season after his spectacular performance in the team's 2-1 win over Plateau United of Jos

NYG: AROLE SPLASHES CASH ON TEAM OYO MEDALISTS

The Immediate past Chairman of Oyo State Sports Council and former Ibadan North East Local Government Chairman Honourable Gbenga Adewusi fondly called 'Arole' has again demonstrated his kind gestures by rewarding Team Oyo athletes that has gold medals with cash gift at the ongoing 7th National Youth Games 'Asaba 2023'.

OyoSportsNews in a brief telephone chat with 'Arole', explained that the gesture is a result of his passion and love to motivate athletes, promote and encourage sports development in Oyo state. He added that the donation is to acknowledge the exploits of Team Oyo and most especially gold medalits and also stimulate them to bring home more medals.

In Chess (classical), Team Oyo grabbed two gold medals while Ibrahim Ajibade had a best ride over his mates to clinch gold in 10Kilometer Individual Time Trial (ITT). Team Oyo also won gold in golf.

Speaking on the donation, Arole said: “I'm extremely happy with the performances of the athletes in Asaba, I was with thier seniors in November 2022 at Asaba during the National Sports Festival and for a young athlete below 15year old to have reach the final stage and won a gold medal; I think we need to motivate, encourage and pass strong message to other parents at home that they should support us in sports development. We can only catch them young."

"It being part of me in any national and state competitions to motivate athletes. As a retired handball player and lover of football, I observed many talents are hidden at the grassroots level and it's very important to discover, encourage, train and motivate them until they get to the top."

Meanwhile, Oyo State Sports Council Acting General Manager Mr Tunde Ajibike had commended Hon Gbenga Adewusi on the gesture describing it as a necessary tonic that would inspire other athletes to win more medals. He said It is an example for other well-meaning Nigerians to follow.

CYCLING: THREE NIGERIAN CYCLISTS WIN GOLD MEDALS IN GHANA

     Three cyclists that participated in the on going I9th CAC African Road and Paracycling Championship taking place at Olebu, Ablekuma, Pokuase Route, Accra in Ghana won  three  gold medals in various categories..

   The duo of Victoria Lawal and  Peace Olawale from Oyo State  won gold in the female Youth Category while  Olawale Peace of Oyo State and Eze Ukpeseraye from Delta State also clinched Gold in the road race.

  The first edition of the tournament which commenced on February 8 will terminate on 17 February 2023. Nineteen countries of Africa participated actively in the competition under the auspices of Union Cycliste Internationale ( UCI), The Ministry of  Youth and Sports, The Ghana Cycling Federation ( G C F), National Sports Authority (NSA) as well as Ghana Olympics Committee.

  Cycling is one of the 24 medal sports on the programme for Accra 2023 African Games.

 

CREDIT SOURCE:

  TUNDE AJIBIKE

     D ( Media and Communications)

Oluwo, Odegbami Recommend Engr. Lanre Adeleke For National Honour

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, and the Nigerian Football Legend, Segun Odegbami, have recommended the Managing Director of Lanre Adeleke Sports Academy, Engr. Abel Lanre Adeleke for National Award.

Oluwo made the appeal today in Iwo while receiving the Nigerian Football Legends, Patrick Segun Odegbami and Mutiu Adepoju in his palace.

The Royal visit was part of the activities marked for the recruitment of new students into Lanre Adeleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo, Iwoland, Osun State.

Oba Akanbi described the academy as an ivy league, saying the founder, Engr. Adeleke should be honoured by the federal government with national award.

"On merit, Engr. Abel Lanre Adeleke deserves a national award. He is a patriotic Nigerian building both mental and physical assets of the nation. He established an international Sports Academy here in Iwoland, therein, discovering and promoting talents of the less privileged. Those children,with special sporting talents, many of whose parents cannot afford education were discovered to benefit scholarship with free boarding and feeding"

"As a contractor sweating before making his money, and commiting his hard earned resources to lift vulnerable Nigerians to international status, he should be encouraged by the federal government by a national honour"

The football legend, Segun Odegbami also lend a voice, saying he will equally use his good office to recommend Engr. Lanre Adeleke for National Honour.

A surprise birthday party was held for the football legend at Lanre Adeleke Sports Academy, Ileogbo, Iwoland.

Nigeria Youth Movement