Samuel Ayanrinde scored a stunning goal as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, fought hard to secure their first win of the 2024/25 season of the NPFL.
Ayanrinde’s 21st minute strike was enough to earn the Oluyole Warriors a 1-0 win over hard fighting Heartland FC of Owerri.
Playing before their vociferous faithful, including the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Ibadan soccer lords were stretched to the limit by the Naze Millionaires.
Having drew their first home game against Plateau United, three weeks ago, the coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored lads, started the Matchday four encounter determined to come out victorious.
After having their numerous charges for an early opener thwarted by the visitors’ defense, the well deserved goal finally came in the 21st minute through Ayanrinde, who clinically finished up after receiving a pass from Uche Onwuosonanya.
That turned out to be the only goal of the encounter as both sides pressed to find the back of the net, all to no avail till end of the first half.
The second half was a firece contest with the Emmanuel Amuneke tutored Heartland taking the game to the Ibadan soccer lords in search of the equaliser.
While the visitors defense stood their ground, preventing the homers from adding to their tally, Shooting Stars’ goalie, Abiodun Akande and his defenders, had to fight tooth and nail to curtail their opponents, this keeping their slim lead till the end of the encounter.
With the maximum points secured, the Oluyole Warriors have now garnered five points from three matches, having drawn their first two games.
Up next for the team is a trip to Benin City for a rescheduled Matchday three fixtures against Bendel Insurance, with the encounter billed for Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
