Osho: Remo should have got point against MFM FC

 

TECHNICAL Adviser of Remo Stars Football Club, Fatai Osho has downplayed Mountain of Fire Miracles and Ministry Football Club victory over the Sky Blue Stars on MatchDay 12 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

Speaking after the game, Osho feels that the result of the game between both sides was not a reflection of what happened on the field of play.

Stephen Odey bagged his 7th goal of the season from a penalty spot after Walbe David was adjudged by the match official to have fouled CNN Goal of The Week award winner, Sikiru Olatunbosun inside the box in the 14th minute of the game.

"Nothing spectacular went wrong in Sunday's south-west derby game, we came with a lot of expectations and we could have gotten something better."

"MFM FC has won, we have to give it to them because they did their best to win but I must be honest with you, the result wasn't actually a reflection of what happened on the field of play and a draw could have been a better result."

"We are a team in transit, we can't shy away from that but I can assure you that as we go on, we will definitely get better." Osho concluded.

The Sky Blues Stars will on Matchday 13 tackle Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS FC) of Ilorin at the Gateway International Stadium in Sagamu on Sunday.

Ogenyi: Ranger, Lobi Star game like 'war'

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

EVANS Ogenyi says his Lobi Stars squad will approach the rescheduled Matchday 8 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) tie against Rangers with a zeal to claim a point, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

In his post-match chat: "It's like a double away games for us, we'll prepare for the game with all seriousness. I would say that we are going to 'war', so it will not be wise to reveal my game plans. I just want to keep it to my chest and by Tuesday, train with the players then on Wednesday unveil it to the starting eleven."

Ogenyi, who won the Coac-Cola FA Cup and Charity Cup for Ocean Boys in 2008, led the Food Basket Team to gaining its second point on the road after they shared the spoils with Remo Stars of Sagamu on Matchday 9.

It was his first task as acting technical adviser in the absence of suspended Godwin Koko Uwa.

"As coach who knows his onions, after the responsibility fell on my shoulders after my boss was suspended by the Lobi Stars management, I had to prepare the team in company of the other assistants with a goal to getting a result against Remo Stars.

"When we got here, the other coaches and I had to psyche the players up, telling them to play to win after our last training session at the Gateway Stadium. The game was a tough one I must say, as no team in the NPFL is a pushover. 

"We conceded a goal in the first half, we responded immediately but Remo Stars had their goalkeeper to thank for the save off Okpotu's point blank shot.

"During the half time team talk in the dressing room, I told my players that we can win the game if we take our chances and play with caution, am delighted that we got the equalizing goal four minutes after play resumed in the second half.

"I feel elated, not just me, the whole team. I really would have been very happy if we had got the maximum 3points if my played had converted the half chances that came their way in the closing seconds of the game.

"The point we have got against Remo Stars means a lot to us. If you recall, last season Lobi Stars lost out in the spot for a continental ticket 2points behind 3placed Wikki Tourists of Bauchi after we came 5th on the log. 

"The expectations from our fans is so much that they are charging us on to get at least a continental ticket. 

"The season is a marathon, so the more points a team gets on the road will definitely count before the league gets to its climax."

MFM to host Rangers in Friday Night football

 

By Rasaq Oboirien 

THE Agege Stadium (Soccer Temple) will be agog on February 24 as it will host the season first Friday night game between Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM FC) of Lagos and defending champions, Rangers International of Enugu, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The fixture is a Matchday 10 clash which was originally fixed for Sunday 26th of February.

According to our source in the Olukoya Boys camp, "Our game against the Flying Antelopes will now hold on 24th of this month and it's going to be a Friday night game and the first of the season.

"The League Management Company (LMC) have notified us of the change after it adjusted the season fixtures, so as to accommodate that of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup teams.

"However, since MFM FC will be out of NPFL action again this weekend owing to Wikki Tourists return leg fixture in the preliminary round, it was best we hosted the first night game of the season, claimed the LMC secretariat."

The club after its lone goal loss to ABS FC of Ilorin on Matchday 7, the Olukoya Boys should have hosted Rivers United at home and play away to Wikki.

The game will also be televised by SuperSports who are the television right owners of the Nigeria Professional Football League(NPFL).

Recall the club last season hosted their first Friday night game against Kano Pillars.

The Olukoya Boys are placed third on the NPFL log after seven matches with 13points.

I could not turn down Remo Stars offer-Osho

 

NEW Technical Adviser of Remo Stars, Fatai Osho has given his reasons why he accepted to return to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Osho, a former coach of the Sky Blues in his first media chat with the club also spoke of his plans for the club and how he intends to move them from the drop zone.

The Bet9ja sponsored team are currently placed bottom of the log with 6points from seven matches after it recorded victories against Abi Warriors and El-Kanemi.

Recall it has lost two home games to Plateau United and Niger Tornadoes while its away form has been poor, as they have lost to Gombe United, Nasarawa United and Akwa United.

Below is the excerpts of Osho's first words:

RSFC MEDIA: How does it feel to be back?

OSHO: It's quite emotional for me I was going through the streets of Ikenne on Sunday, I was looking at the buildings and it's been a while I saw all these and it's really emotional coming back and that can only spur me to do better.

Have been here once it's not a new terrain to me, one way or the other have played one or two roles in bringing the club to where it is now and we want to be a club that would be playing in the CAF Champions League and that's the target.

Expectations on your second calling?

Well based on my exploit last season with Crown FC it was not that easy because everybody believed this year we have to build on the little we achieved last season but there is no way I could turn a Remo Stars offer down, this is where I started my football as a professional coach and the Chairman Is like a father figure it's definitely impossible for me to say I would not come.

My coming back I want to see it has something better than what we were

able to achieve the last time.

What are your plans to change Remo Stars current position on the log?

When you start the league and you have played 5-8 matches, the margin between the league leaders and the last team is not a gap that cannot be redeemed. We are in a position that within 2-4 victories, we get into the first five, then stabilize and start looking at the continental ticket cause I believe we can still do that and thats what

I tried to make the lads understand this morning and we believe we can do that.

Your thoughts on the brand of football the fans know you to play?

Honestly in terms of the philosophy it has not changed but what would have change is within the time I left I have been able to acquire one or two things maybe that would be the surprise they would see but in terms of how we going to play our football there won't be any difference.

If you leave your house to come and watch a football game, then you are spending your money and time and you meet a team that wins the game and gets you entertained cause that's what you have to take home so we have to entertain our fans with the orientation of getting result.  Its what I call the sugar concept and you are going to enjoy it.

Whats your take on the current squad you have at your disposal?

Before now have been monitoring, have watched them play here during my leisure time and I believe they can do it. All we need to do is to create a new mentality for them if we don't defeat ourselves it will be difficult for anybody to defeat us.

The lads we have on ground are capable of bringing smiles to the faces of our fans and management and we have what it takes to defeat Lobi Stars come Sunday.

Osho drills Remo Stars ahead Lobi Stars game

 

By Rasaq Oboirien 

FATAI Osho today (Monday) conducted his first training session with Remo Stars players at the Gateway Stadium, Sagamu, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The former Crown FC of Ogbomoso coach was 24hours ago confirmed as the new Technical Adviser to the Sky Blues Stars who are rock bottom of the NPFL log on 20th with 6points.

Recall less than two weeks ago, the newly promoted Nigeria a Professional Football League (NPFL) team parted ways with former Eaglets assistant coach, Nduka Ugbade  after contract negotiations hit the rocks.

The disciplinarian coach and his Chief Coach, Shola Ibrahim Adewuyi at 7am this morning introduced captain, Victor Mboama and his mates to his training methods.

Both coaches will be making a return to the club after they left at the end of 2013/2014 Nigeria National League Season.

Osho is expected to make his NPFL debut in the dugout when Remo Stars host Lobi Stars of Makurdi on Matchday 9.

Meanwhile, the management of Shooting Stars of Ibadan have sent their kind words to Osho following his move to Remo Stars.

The Oluyole Warriors via their Twitter handle‏ ‪@Official3SC, "Our best wishes to .@FataiOsho on his return to ex-club, @RemoStarsFC. Congratulations, our brother, our friend," the tweet read.‬

Remo Stars debut delights David Walbe

 

REMO Stars goalkeeper, Walbe David has expressed delight in making his debut for the Sagamu bases club.

The Sky Blue Stars were defeated 1-0 in Match Day 7 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Speaking with RSFC Media, "I am very happy to have been named to start the game against Niger Tornadoes and that's actually what I came to the club to do."

"My aim was to get the maximum points for my team against Niger Tornadoes, so disappointed we lost but I believe we are going to do better in our games to come."

The former ABS FC and Kaduna United shot stopper says the postponement of the game against FC Ifeanyi Ubah will help the team going into the next home game against Lobi Stars.

"The postponement will help the team to get over the lost at home, prepare us for the next game, help us correct our previous mistakes, improve and perfect some other tactics."

"Our loss to the Ikon Allah Boys won't affect us going into the next game because the confidence level of our players is really high and we are ready to go into our next game with the type of training we are into now."

"The fans should expect something positive from us against Lobi Stars and I believe we won't defeat them nothing less than 2-0." 

  

3SC will end the season better, says Amoo

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

FATAI Amoo has assured fans that Shooting Stars will not battle relegation rather end the season on a high note, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The Oluyole War Lords who began the season on a winning form against Lobi Stars of Makurdi, dropped their first home point against Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) FC in matchday 5 south-west derby at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.

"Football at times is about 10 attempts no success or probably 10 success, however, our goal this season still remains, 3SC will not battle relegation but do better.

"In fairness to my players and team, our recruitment programme this season was above average even as we know that the expectations from our fans is high. I want to assure that we are working towards the set goal. 

"Taking a look at other teams that have done better in the area of players recruitment, some of them have not found their rhythm but that's not to say we want to belong to that category rather we want the team to be among the teams that are getting the need results."

The Rio Olympics assistant to Samson Siasia also blame fatigue and the cumbersome nature of the season fixtures as reasons why his team has not lived up to fans expectations.

"We went to Akure and from there to Kano, back to Ibadan and to Ilorin, all by road and you know what it means traveling to these places.

"The cumbersome nature of the season fixtures is not good for our domestic football, but am not in the best position to change it.

"The LMC meant well for the league when it wanted kick start the season last December. I know the league body wanted to harmonize our football calendar to be with that of Europe or other African countries, but for whatever reasons the season commenced in January."

Amoo, further said he's happy starting some of his rookies this season.

"Am happy playing my young players, they have live up to expectations, they are not to blame for not converting our goals scoring chances, rather the experienced ones.

"Mind you, goal scoring is an act and it takes continuous practice for one to perfect it."

The Oluyole Warriors are placed 19th on the NPFL log with 4points.


Photo credit @Official3SC

AWOL ABS FC Otegbeye begs coach Makinwa

 

By Rasaq aoboirien

AJIBOLA Otegbeye has pleaded with Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) FC of Ilorin coach, Henry Makinwa to forgive him, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Recall the striker was declared awol (absent without leave) by his employers more than 10 days after he failed to resume for their training camp in Lokoja after the Yuletide, as has stayed away without explanations.

Otegbeye took to his Facebook page, shared a picture of him and Makinwa and then wrote: "Hey coach, I'm sorry for anything I may have done wrong, please find a place in your heart to forgive me as a brother, son, for the sake of unity and unity and consider the good time we spent together. 

Remo Stars will get season right against Abia Warriors-Ugbade

 

NDUKA Ugbade says his young Remo Stars squad will put their debut season back on a wining track when they host Abia Warriors at the Gateway International Stadium, Sagamu on Matchday 3.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to Gombe United, a calm Ugbade remained positive that his wards will recover from the back-to-back defeats.

"The boys played well today, Technical we were better and am positive my boys will recover from this loss and get the season up and running in our next home game against Abia Warriors.

The Sky Blue Stars will head back to Sagamu as they prepare to get their season back on track with a win.

It's was a game of misfortune for Remo Stars as Fabason Djoufouna 87th minute strike secured maximum points for Gombe United and ended the dreams of Remo Stars picking a point on the road.

The Sky Blue Stars drew first blood after Captain Victor Mbaoma converted a free kick beautiful in the 20th minute and Ndukwe was right on point to make consecutive saves to deny Gombe United an equaliser after the restart.

Manir Ubale was close in giving the host the leveler as his header hits the crossbar.

In the 37th minute Gombe United wins a FK and a powerful cross by Ogundele Ola was headed into his own net by Oshobe Shuji and Gombe got their equaliser.

The first half ended in level terms and at the start of the second half Gombe United showed intent and approached the game more physically but we're contained by the offside trap as the high line defence of the Sky Blue Stars did a decent job.

Late into the second have in the 87th minute Fabason Djoufouna who arrived late into the box was right on time to slot home a low cross from Giwa Isaac to give the dessert scorpions the lead and eventually the winning goal of the encounter.

Enyimba, Rangers fail to make Africa top 20 clubs

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

SEVEN times Nigeria Premier League champions, Enyimba FC of Aba and current title holders, Rangers International of Enugu failed to make the top 20 of the African clubs ranking list, according to the FootballDatabase system.

NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com gathered from the list that the People's Elephants were rated as the best team in Nigeria after been placed 28th with 1,437points.

Rangers who were beaten at home on matchday one by Oriental Derby rival, Abia Warriors were rated 44th in latest ranking released on 15 January.

Surprisingly, Warri Wolves made the top 10 Nigeria best clubs depicted been relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of last season.

Meanwhile, Cairo giants, Al Ahly of Egypt were rated as the continent best club, as current Champions League holders, Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa were rated 14th.

NIGERIA's Top 10 clubs

28Enyimba-1437

44Enugu Rangers-1412

58Warri Wolves FC-1393

64Wikki Tourist-1383

66Dolphins FC-1383

67Sunshine Stars-1382

74Kano Pillars-1377

76Nasarawa United-1376

77Ifeanyi Ubah United-1374

80Lobi Stars-1368

Coaches, players await new NPL official match balls

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

COACHES and players of the 20 Nigeria Premier League teams await the supply of the season's official match balls by the League Management Company (LMC), reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Checks on the clubs activities revealed that no club has got any supplies from the country's domestic football regulators let alone train with the new balls.

In most pre-season games involving the topflight teams and practice sessions, the team play with last season's match balls while the newly promoted teams of Kastina United, ABS FC, Gombe United and Remo Stars train with personal balls.

Opinions of players and coaches on the development informed of anxiousness or fear.

Some who spoke on condition of anonymity said: "Good idea from the LMC but as players, we needed to have practiced with the official match ball. Take for example, am an attacker-cum-winger, I don't know if my pace can match that of the ball or my final ball from a cross would get to where I want it to get to for the strikers to score.

"In a nut-shell, we don't know the quality of these balls."

Another player, a goalkeeper said:"I don't know if the new match ball is a jabulani, how would I deal with its pace when I have not trained with it with my trainer. 

"I could be blamed for an own-goal from fans, little would they know we have not trained with the new NPL match balls.

A top coach of one of the clubs while making his comment said, "Logistics could have been the problem supplying these match balls to clubs, however, I don't think we should start making excuses rather prepare our teams for the season which kicks off this weekend.

"Ideally the coaches ought to have been training with the squad with the match ball. Nowadays these balls can be funny, looking at the technology behind producing them.

"I want to urge the LMC to make available the official season match balls to the various clubs on time."

The new season kicks off with a high profile game between Kano Pillars and FC IfeanyiUbah who are both Federation and Charity Cup winners at the Sani Abacha Stadium today(Saturday).

Kaduna camping good for Gombe Utd-Garba

 

By Our Reporter

MANU Garba, Gombe United's Technical Adviser says the 10 days close camping programme his team embarked on has paid off, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Manu said in his post-friendly match chat where he expressed his satisfaction even though his players gave room for Niger Tornadoes to play and more work would be done on marking discipline and mobility.

Recall the game at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) main bowl ended in a barren draw.

On the closed camping, "The aim has been achieved, as the players responded well to training, there was absolute 100% concentration, no distraction what so ever and  they get absolute rest after training sessions," said the former Golden Eagles coach.

He added, "The Savannah Scorpions may likely play another friendly match on Thursday morning before the team travel to Katsina."

Recall Gombe United mauled a non-league side, Jamba Professionals 7-0 in its first pre-season game played last weekend.

Kastina United, who are Nigeria National League (NNL) Super4 champions host Gombe United on matchday one of the Nigeria Premier League.

ABS FC unveil Gata, 14 stars for Akwa Utd, others

 

ABUBAKAR Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC on Tuesday unveiled 15 new players ahead of the Nigeria Professional Football League new season. 

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, the Director of Football of the Club, Alloy Chuwkuemeka said the players were carefully recruited with the target of continental ticket. 

He promised that the Club would focus on Federation Club as a platform to launching itself on the continent.

Chuwkuemeka maintained that the Club would do all it could to sustain its presence in the NPFL. 

He assured Kwarans of the commitment of the players and technical crew to do the state proud in the professional league. 

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Bolakale Ayo commended the ABS Ilorin FC for its doggedness in returning to the NPFL. 

The Commissioner who promised continuous support to Club charged the Kwara United Football Club to work hard in getting promotion to the elite league at the end of the forthcoming Nigeria National League. 

Speaking with Sportswriters, the Team's Coach, Henry Makinwa said the new players are bunch of talents with capacity and ability to stand the pressure of the football.

Makinwa solicited the support and prayers of all stakeholders to make the Club excel in the new league session. 

Also speaking, the Captain of the Club, Abdullahi Boje expressed confidence in the ability of the new players, having played together during the pre-season matches in Lokoja few days ago and assured that the players would work hard as a team for the success of the Club.

Some of the new players are Adewale Adeyinka (Kwara Football Academy (KFA), Feriyaro Abdullahi (Niger Tornadoes), Wasiu Alalade (First Bank)' Metu Chingozirim (Gateway United), Kehinde Idowu (Kwara United), Anthony Ebuka (Cofine FC), Bassey Effiong (Niger Tornadoes).

Others are Stone Evbuomawan (COD United), Chindo Abubakar (Kogi United) Ernest Governor (Kogi United), Ikpi Austine (MFM FC) and Kehinde Idowu, Adeshina Gata both from Kwara United. 

The newly promoted side also acquired the services of Eugene Ossy Martins from FC IfeanyiUbah, Omolayo Ibrahim from Niger Tornadoes. 

ABS will begin its campaign in NPFL on Sunday in Ilorin with the first match against Akwa United Football Club. 

LMC okay Shagamu Stadium for Remo Stars

 

By Our Reporter

THE League Management Company (LMC) have given the Gateway Stadium in Shagamu the nod to host Remo Stars home games, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

It scooped during the week that the place got its final approval close to two months the LMC stadium inspection visited the Gateway Stadium.

Recall Remo Stars gained promotion into the topflight division last season having played their home matches at the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.

Information shared on social media platform, Twitter also informed that The Sky Blues Stars will on Sunday play their debut NPL game against visiting Plateau United at the close to 12,000 capacity Gateway Stadium.

Meanwhile, His Royal Highness the Ewusi Makun of Sagamu pledges his support for  Remo Stars FC.

The Bet9ja sponsored team paid him a courtesy visit recently to seek royal blessings from the traditional ruler.

Lobi Stars takes positive from Gold Cup Tourney

NIGERIA Premier League side, Lobi Stars management have said that the Gold Cup pre-season tourney has exposed it team's strength and weakness to the coaching crew as they get set for the commencement of 2016/17 domestic football season on December 18, 2016.
This is the second time the 'Food Basket' team is taking part in the prestigious league club tourney which is banked rolled by Distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, Senator Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari.
According to the club's tweet via its social media platform, @LobiStarsFC after qualifying to the semi-finals read: "The decision to play ‪@GoldCupTourney‬ has made massive impact on ‪@LobiStars‬. We salute the organizers of‪ the championship."‬
'Ageless'David Tyakase gave Lobi Stars Semi-finals tickets as they shared the spoils with Crown FC in a highly soak tensed game which brought the best out of the Godwin Koko Uwa side.
Recall last season after their semi-final exit from the Gold Cup tourney, Lobi Stars of Makurdi got the season of a flying start when they pipped a Kadiri Ikhana Shooting Stars of Ibadan at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba.
Kingsley Eduwo winning and only goal of the game handed Lobi their first 3points of the season. 

I won't fund Remo Stars as from next season- Soname

 

PRESIDENT of the newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL)side, Remo Stars Football Club, Honorable Kunle Soname has talked up his team's chances to make a meaningful impact as they begin new life in the apex league in the country.

The former board member of Nigeria NationL League (NNL)in an interview with sports writers at the ongoing Gold Cup Preseason Tournament in Ijebu-Ode on Monday.




What's your impression about the ongoing 4th Gold Cup Preseason Tournament?

I will say that it's a fairly well organized competition, well covered in terms of media, clearly I guess that had to do with caliber of people organizing the tournament, as Media men you will expect their colleagues will rally round them, but sincerely I will give it a good pass park.

Wikki battles Ifeanyi Ubah in Super 4 opener

CAF Confederations Cup flag-bearers, Wikki Tourists and FC IfeanyiUbah have been drawn to play the opening game of the 2016/17 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Super 4 which flags off on December 7 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu.,
According to fixtures released by the League Management Company (LMC), the opening match will kick-off at 5pm with the second fixture between League champions, Rangers International and runners-up, Rivers United starting at 7pm.

Niger Tornadoes in dark about Shehu Dikko Cup

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

OFFICIALS of Niger Tornadoes have informed that they are in the dark regarding their participation of the Shehu Dikko Cup in Kaduna, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The Bala Abubakar team are currently in Ijebu-Ode were they took part in the Gold Cup Pre-season Tournament.

A top official of the club said:"To be honest with you, it's laughable as I read it in one of the sporting papers this (Tuesday) morning. We never got a correspondence from the organizes either by mail or text message, let alone inform them of our participation.

"We usually play pre-season games in Kaduna, and the only invitation we got was that of the Gold Cup which we are taking part in Ijebu-Ode.

"How on earth would the organizers tell the media that Tornadoes and the quartet of Wikki Tourist, Rivers United, FC Ifeanyi Ubah and Katsina United will be taking part in the pre-season tournament in Kaduna. 

"Today is the 29th and they expect us to be in Kaduna to participate in a tourney that would start the next day."

The tournament is to run from November 30-December 5 with matches slated to hold at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna. 

Ekene shoots Remo Stars to Gold Cup semis

NEWLY promoted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Remo Stars have qualified for the semi finals of the Gold Cup Preseason Tournament after defeating non league side, FC Yobo 3-2 in the final round of Group B match.
The Sky Blue Stars started like a house on fire and it paid off in the 2nd minute after Ekene Awazie scored from a nice build up.
Ekene doubled the lead with a beautiful finish just after 15 minutes into the game before Chukuma Emmanuel pulled one back for FC Yobo in the 37th minute of the game.
Yobo FC started the second half brilliantly but they couldn't make all their efforts in front of goal count against the NPFL newcomers.
In the 52nd minute of the game, Francis Nwako rounded FC Yobo goalkeeper to shoot into the net to make the scoreline 3-1.
FC Yobo missed couple of chances before Bright Ogbonna scored with a sublime freekick to end the game on an interesting note.
Remo Stars garnered 8 points from four matches and will be up against an unconfirmed opponent from group A on Thursday evening.

3SC to camp in Ilaro ahead new NPL season

SHOOTING Stars Sports Club of Ibadan (3SC) has picked Ilaro in Ogun State as camping site for the team in preparations for the new football season. 
This is perhaps informed by the array of club sides already having their training sessions in Ijebu Ode, the regular habitat of the Oluyole Warriors in the last five football seasons.
To this end, the contingent of 35 players and seven officials moved few hours ago to the venue and to start training Wednesday morning.
Out of the players are 17 old players and 18 possible new signings with five from Team B of the club.
In his reaction, the Technical Adviser, Fatai Amoo says the first two phases of the screening have been successful going by the calibre of players who made the cut. "It's been a tough but interesting exercise and we took the best decision in final selections of the players", he disclose.
Arsenal, however assures the club teeming fans of good runs when the league resumes. "Soon, the world would see new emerging stars in the team, we only crave for their more support and understanding" he concludes.
For the General Manager of the club, Rasheed Balogun; "We must not fail to plan for us to succeed, that's why we have to move to where our concentrations will be full. For now, Ilaro is it and we assure our fans and supporters of a good team," he summed up.