3SC won't battle relegation this season-Lawal

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

EX-Nigeria international, Oladimeji Lawal insists Shooting Stars of Ibadan won't be among teams that will battle relegation this season.

'Kabongo' told NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com at the Oluyole War Lords pre-season camp in Ijebu-Ode that: "We have great plans going into the new season.

"I want to state clearly that 3SC of Ibadan will be outstanding in this year's campaign and will not fight relegation rather compete for silverware  sand be among the top 10 teams.

3SC to retire late Izu Joseph's No.24 jersey

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

THE management of Nigeria Premier League side, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan plans to retire the No.24 jersey in honor of late defender, Izu Joseph, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

Team Manager of the Oluyole Warriors and ex-junior international, Oladimeji Lawal disclosed in a chat at the team's pre-season camp in Ijebu-Ode.

"I must confess that Izu's demise has left a void in the team as he was a dependable defender. When things were tough for the club last season, he displayed true professionalism scoring that vital goal against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi to the delight of a pack full Adamasingba stadium."

Recall that victory confirmed the Oluyole War Lords topflight status as they went ahead to finish 14th on the NPL log.

"The club didn't forget all of this as delegates were sent by the club to his funeral last Saturday and an undisclosed sum was also presented to his family to support his burial rite.

"It is not going to stop there as the club has deemed it fit to honor him by retiring his favorite jersey number 24.

"3SC also plan to raise funds for his family by organizing a novelty game in his honor. His wife, daughter other family members, playing mates and other Nigeria Premier League stars will be invited to be part in the game.

"Proceeds from the gate takings will be donated to his family too."

Recall Izu was shot dead by unknown members of the Army Joint Military Task Force (JTF) who mistook him for a militant as they claimed that they found him and some members of a militant group at a shrine in his home town, Okaki Rivers State.

Orelope joins Wikki Tourists from Ifeanyi Ubah

 

By Rasaq Oboirien

TOPE Orelope has dumped Federation Cup champions, FC Ifeanyi Ubah to sign for Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The attacking midfielder who left Shooting Stars of Ibadan for the rich-spending Anambra Warriors after a turbid season with Enyimba, was keen to return to the Oluyole Warriors before the commencement of the 2016/17 season.

According to a source close to Orelope, "He met with the new Shooting Stars coach, Fatai Amoo in Ibadan where he made his intentions known to him that he wanted to return to 3SC again but that was turn down by the Olympic Eagles assistant coach on the grounds that he , Orelope was too rich to play for the Oluyole Warriors after earning big with Ifeanyi Ubah.

"He then had no choice than to consider other offers, then Wikki table an offer for him.

"I can confirm to you that he has signed a deal with the Baba Ganaru side and he's training with them in their pre-season camp.

"Orelope did expressed his delight after joining Wikki as he would have more playing time and also play in the CAF Confederation Cup."

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.

Enyimba, Remo Stars lock in talks for Adebogun

                                                         

                                                  By Rasaq Oboirien

SEVEN times Nigeria Premier League champions, Enyimba FC of Aba and newly promoted, Remo Stars are lock in talks for attacking midfielder, Adebogun Omatayo, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.

The petit player who last season was loaned to Giwa FC and then moved to Shooting Stars of Ibadan after the Jos team was banished from the elite division by the League Management Company (LMC) for breaking its rule governing the domestic league.

Adebogun who was spotted training with the Aba Elephants in their pre-season camp of Ijebu-Ode may not go cheap going by our source.

"He has made his intentions known to Remo Stars that Enyimba is his preferred destination after playing under coach Gbenga Ogunbote both at Giwa FC and 3SC.

"The problem he's now having is for both his parent club, The Sky Blues and Enyimba to agree on a transfer fee.

"Once that is done, I see no reason why he shouldn't play for the People's Elephants in the new season which is expected to kick-off on December 18."

Enyimba who went trophy less last season, will be hoping to give other teams a run for the NPL title this season.