Makinde splashes N1million on 3SC for beating Bendel Insurance

By Taofeek Babalola

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has motivated Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan with the sum of one million naira following their victory over Bendel Insurance of Benin in the Nigeria National League (NNL)super eight playoff matchday one fixture at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu on Tuesday.

The Oluyole Warriors came from behind to snatch a 2-1 win over their arch rivals in the Group B opening game this afternoon.

Daniel Johnson shot Bendel Insurance into the lead from the spot before Malomo Ayodeji equalized for the Ibadan-based outfit. Raheem Nafiu netted the winner for 3SC the 83rd minute after a great build-up play from Gafar Olafimihan.

3SC will continue their pursuit for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) promotion ticket tomorrow when they engage Remo Stars in the matchday 2 encounter by 11am. 

Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, hailed the spirits of the 3SC players, charging them to go for glory and reclaim the glory of the 3SC.

He said: “The victory of the 3SC over Bendel Insurance today is a sweet one. It was a confirmation of the high spirits of the team on its way to promotion into the premier league. I commend the players and the management of the team for justifying the passionate belief and confidence that we have in them.

“This victory is well-deserved, as it showed the determination of our boys to bring back the glory days of the Oluyole Warriors. My charge to them is to brace up and man up for the matches ahead and secure the much-coveted promotion.

“It will be remarkable and eventful if the boys can bring back the glory days by securing promotion at a period that our government has just remodelled their grounds, the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, to a world class facility.

“This is the charge for the boys: 3SC's promotion is a task that must be done and as a government, we will do everything possible to support the team.”

In another matchday one fixtures, Gombe United shared the spoil with El-Kanemi Warriors in their Group A opener.  One goal in each half of the encounter ensured that the North East teams settled for draw. Also the match between Niger Tornadoes of Minna and DMD of Maiduguri ended goalless.

MATCH DAY 1 RESULTS 

Gombe United 1-1 El-Kanemi Warriors  

Bendel Insurance 1-2 3SC

DMD 0-0 Niger Tornadoes  

Ekiti United vs Remo Stars 

MATCH DAY 2

Date: 8th September, 2021

El Kanemi Warriors Vs Niger Tornadoes 8:30pm

3SC Vs Remo Stars 11am

Gombe United Vs DMD 4pm

Bendel Insurance Vs Ekiti United 6pm