Sports
Mixed Reactions Trail 3SC’s Relegation
A former coach of the
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Adegboye Onigbinde, has expressed disappointment at the relegation of the Ibadan side from the Glo Premier League.
Onigbinde, who coached the then IICC Shooting Stars in the mid-1980’s, told newsmen, in Lagos that the club was like his “baby’’.
He said that he was not therefore, in the best position to advice on steps that could be taken to reposition the club, but added that the management was in a better position to do so.
It would be recalled that this would be the second time that the club would be relegated in the last seven years.
3SC first got relegated in 2006 and eventually gained promotion back to the premier league in 2009.
“Well, as a lover of the team, the team is like a baby to me. I’m not happy that the team is going on relegation.
“As for what to do to resuscitate the team, let the technical people and the administrators meet and think of what to do to change the fortunes of the club,’’ Onigbinde said.
In the same vein, Taiwo Ogunjobi, a former 3SC defence stalwart, also expressed sadness at the club’s relegation to the lower division.
Ogunjobi, who was also a former General Manager of the club, urged the Oyo State football authorities to ensure that only knowledgeable individuals were appointed to revive the club.
“The 3SC story is a sad one and it’s a concern to all of us from that area. It is so sad that they are relegated.
“But I think they must have learnt one or two things and there is need for us to put our house in order.
“Then we can start thinking about getting it out of the messy situation next season, I believe that the right people should be in the right places so that the club can redeem itself,’’ Ogunjobi added.
In his own reaction Mutiu Adepoju, the immediate-past General Manager of the Ibadan side, urged the management to look inwards and put their acts together.
“Its very sad to see Shooting Stars in this situation. I don’t know what went wrong, I believe the management of the team and the players are not happy about this.
“I’m sure that with their cooperation, they will weather the storm,’’ Adepoju said.
Felix Owolabi, a former player and board member of the club, said that the once iconic club that held the nation spellbound with its exploits, had lost its pride of place.
“Shooting Stars had an identity and was a brand of the Yoruba race, when I was playing. “The club, as far as I know today has lost its pride of place,’’ Owolabi said.
Meanwhile, Fatai Amoo a former coach of the Ibadan side, declined to comment when contacted.
Victory for the Super Eagles in Casablanca followed the disappointment of losing shoot-outs that cost them chances to compete at the 2026 World Cup and in the 2025 AFCON final.
Nigeria lost on penalties to the Democratic Republic of Congo last November in a play-off for a place in the World Cup intercontinental play-offs.
Then, three days ago, they lost another shoot-out to fail against hosts Morocco in an AFCON semi-final.
Success maintained a perfect Nigerian record in third place AFCON matches after seven previous play-offs victories.
Before Lookman scored, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru missed the Eagles’ first kick, then Akor Adams, captain Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi scored.
Premier League pair Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush both had kicks saved by Stanley Nwabali before Ramy Rabia and Mahmoud Saber scored.
Egypt made six changes and Nigeria five to the teams that started semi-final losses to Senegal and hosts Morocco respectively three days ago.
Captain Salah started for the Pharaohs while traditional first choices in goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy and forward Marmoush were among the substitutes.
Attackers Victor Osimhen and Lookman, both former winners of the annual African player of the year award, sat on the bench for Nigeria.
Most Moroccans in a crowd that nearly filled the 45,000-capacity Stade Mohammed V backed Nigeria. They whistled whenever Egypt gained possession and when coach Hossam Hassan was shown on the big screen.
This support for the Super Eagles was attributed to the great rivalry between Morocco and Egypt, both at national team and club levels.
– Goals disallowed –
Nigeria initially, then Egypt had spells of dominance in a goalless opening half on a cold, cloudy evening in the Moroccan commercial capital.
Paul Onuachu thought he had broken the deadlock on 36 minutes as he deflected the ball with his head past goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir.
However, a VAR review by the Moroccan referee revealed Onuachu had accidently struck Hamdy Fathy with an elbow. The goal was disallowed and the Nigerian yellow-carded.
Lookman was introduced by coach Eric Chelle for the second half, replacing Onuachu, and he had the ball in the net in the opening minute of the second period. However, the goal was ruled out for offside.
Nigeria started after the break with a series of attacks. Following a largely uneventful first half, Shobeir — the son of former Egypt goalkeeper Ahmed Shobeir — was forced to make several saves.
Salah seldom threatened and when he did cut in with the ball, the potential danger was quickly averted. Marmoush came on as the play-off passed the hour mark to try and boost a blunt strike force.
But as the match entered the final 10 minutes there was no sign of Osimhen being brought on, suggesting he might not have been fully fit.
In quick succession, Adams, then Marmoush threatened to score, but neither could deliver the finishing touch under pressure from opponents.
Salah then disappointed when offered a scoring opportunity from a free-kick outside the box. He hit the ball straight into the wall and it was swiftly cleared.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Saturday, the President praised the team for their resilience and professionalism, noting that the players rose above the disappointment of their semi-final defeat to hosts Morocco earlier in the week to finish the tournament strongly.
The Super Eagles secured third place after overpowering Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, in the bronze medal match.
Nigeria dominated proceedings during regulation time before edging their opponents in a tense penalty shootout.
President Tinubu said the victory was a clear reflection of the determination and can-do spirit that define Nigeria, describing the team’s response to adversity as exemplary.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final match to Morocco during the penalty shootout last Wednesday, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted, and exhibiting the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, their efforts have now paid off”, the President said.
The President noted that Nigerians would take pride in seeing the team receive their medals at the official ceremony on Sunday in Rabat, where the tournament is being concluded.
“We will all be proud of them as they receive their hard-earned bronze medal. Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players. This bronze medal surely feels good like gold”, he added.
The Cottagers have been without their Nigerian trio since they departed for the tournament in Morocco, with all three in excellent form and integral to Silva’s starting lineup prior to their departure.
Despite their absence, Fulham have fared remarkably well, losing just one of their last seven games in all competitions while playing without the Nigerian contingent.
The players are expected to return to West London shortly, as Nigeria conclude their campaign against Egypt in the third-place match on Saturday.
“This is the last game the three players at AFCON will miss,” Silva said, according to Jack Kelly.
“When you have all the squad available, you’re going to be stronger as a team. Like when Kenny, King or Muniz will be back – they will be very important for us.”
The defeat to Leeds leaves Fulham 10th in the Premier League table with 31 points as they head into the final four months of the season.
After the third-place playoff, Bassey, Iwobi and Chukwueze are expected to leave Morocco together immediately and should be available for Fulham’s game against Brighton at Craven Cottage on January 24.
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