The next five weeks promises exciting times for Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) followers as four teams seek to take Enyimba of Aba’s crown as the country’s champions.
One of such teams is the Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan, which is seeking their first title since 1998. That long wait for the crown is what 3SC Coach, Gbenga Ogunbote, said is about to end. At worst, Ogunbote said the team would win a continental ticket.
The Ibadan-based team is currently fourth on the log table with 56 points, closely trailing Enyimba and Remo Stars, who are on 59 points. The top three teams at the end of the season will qualify for the CAF Champions League and Confederations Cup, and 3SC are determined to be among them.
The Oluyole Warriors, who have won the league five times, last lifting the trophy in 1998, have had a resurgent season under Ogunbote. This was evident in their recent 4-0 thrashing of Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibandan, with late goals from Alex Aghahowa, Malomo Taofeeq, Christian Pyagbara, and Adam Mustapha securing the emphatic victory.
“We have come a long way and this is a big opportunity that we cannot allow to slip off our hands,” Ogunbote said after the game. “Our target is to secure one of the Continental tickets. We are on course and by the grace of God, we shall achieve our objective.”
The title race remains widely open, with just a few points separating the top four teams. 3SC face a crucial two-game stretch that could determine their fate, starting with an away match against Rivers United on June 9, followed by a decisive home clash against league leaders, Enugu Rangers on June 12. The 3SC vs Enugu Rangers match will air live on Beta Sports channel 244 on StarTimes.
