NAN-S-9
Relief
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, June 18, 2017 (NAN) Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday defeated visiting Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin 2-0 in a 2016/2017 Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL) Match Day 25 fixture.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the fixture was a tension-soaked match which saw the two teams putting on a good performance.
NAN reports that 3SC scored their two goals through Ibrahim Adebayo in the 67th minute and Sunday Faleye in the fourth minute of final added time.
Adebayo had scored through a header to a free-kick from the left side by Wasiu Jimoh.
3SC had earlier introduced Faleye and Tayo Adebogun as replacement for Abu Azeez and Jimoh at the beginning of the second half of the game.
The introduction of the duo had fortified the team’s midfield and attack, leading to Faleye scoring the second goal.
Coach Henry Makinwa of ABS FC later told newsmen after the match that his heart bleeds for Nigerian football.
He however declined to make further explanation on his statement.
On his part, Chinedu Ajanah, the ABS FC captain, said his team fought very hard to secure the three points of the game but were unlucky in the long run.
“Both teams played very well and had their chances. 3SC converted theirs and we failed to utilise.
“Our team has always prepared hard for its games, and we will continue with such in our next games,’’ he said.
Speaking also, Edith Agoye, 3SC’s Head Coach, stated that it was a relief that his team got the desired result, having worked very hard for it.
“In every football match, you are under pressure. All you need to do is work very hard and convert your chances.
“The ABS FC team is a very good team with a very good coach. That was even noticeable from the first 15 minutes, when the coach introduced some new players into the game to win the midfield.
“The newly-introduced players fortified the midfield and made it difficult for us to break through. We also had to change tactics to break in,” he said.
Also, Promise Ebiakwu, the 3SC captain, admitted that they had to work hard to ensure they secured the game’s three points.
He commended the team’s technical crew and the players for their commitment, saying the introduction of some players into the game by the crew ensured victory.
Ebiakwu however urged 3SC fans to be patient with their team, adding that they would continue to work harder to save the team from relegation.
NAN reports that 3SC, which was before the game at the bottom of the table with 26 points, are now 18th on the log with 29 points.
3SC will take on Rivers United in their Match Day 26 fixture.(NAN)
TAA/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)