It was a smooth jolly ride for Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan at the final of Governor Seyi Makinde Pre- Season Tournament held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, beating Housing Corporation 4-0
The first twenty minutes was a ding dong affair between the two sides with a visibly rejuvenated Housing corporation giving Shooting Stars a run for their money but for the heroics of former Golden Eaglets shot-stopper, Olaide Okanlawon whose saves kept the scoreline at 0-0 for the Ibadan Soccer Lords.
The Ilerika tutored side were initially much adventurous but lost grips with failed incursions on different occasions. The 2020/2021 NNL highest goal scorer, Gafar Olafimihan broke the deadlock at the 22nd minute of the encounter before Malomo Taofeek doubled the lead at the 37th minute. The situation remained the same at the end of the first half.
The second half brought out huge reactions from fans of Housing but Oluyole Warriors lived up to the challenge as former Niger Tornadoes pointman, Odeyemi Ebenezer increased the tally before Seyi Okeowo completed the rout for 3SC making it 4-0
Ilaji FC emerged third place winners after defeating Ogbomoso zonal football association by three goals to one.
Chairman, Oyo State Football Association, Oba James Ọdẹníran (Alakinyele of Akinyele) appreciated Mr Makinde for his support towards the success of the pre-season tournament. He expressed happiness for the hitch-free competition that lasted 6 days involving twelve teams in 20 match fixtures.
“I’m delighted today and I like to thank the Almighty God for the success of this tournament. Also, the sports-loving governor for his gesture, the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Chairman Sports Council, Honourable Gbenga Arole, Chairman Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe, executive members, board members and sports-loving people of Oyo State.
Awards and medals were presented to the most valuable players in each of the twenty matches while overall MVP was given to the Oke Ogun United whizkid, Mustapha Jawad. The outstanding Goalkeeper of the tournament went to Laide Okanlawon while the highest goal scorer award was received by Akilu Mohammed (with four goals). The first and last scorers of the tournament were awarded to Funmbi Adebamowo, Young stars) and 3SC, Seyi Okeowo in that order.
