Sports
Ex-3SC player Laments over ‘unfulfilled promises’ by Oyo State
Thirty-Three years after the Ibadan darling club, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), won the maiden CAF Cup in 1992, one of the players, Gordon Osusu, has alleged that Oyo State government has not met his promises to the players.
In a personal letter written to Governor, Seyi Makinde, over what he termed ‘selective treatment and unfulfilled promises’ to some members of the club, he said, “till date, all efforts in this direction have proved abortive. The story remains come today, come tomorrow. This is not honourable to the goodwill of the good people of Oyo State and to the good government of the state as well.”
3SC, led then by the late Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, won the maiden CAF Cup donated by the Pillar of Sports in Africa, the late Chief MKO Abiola.To appreciate the players and officials for the honour and glory done to the state, the then Governor, Chief Kolapo Olawuyi Ishola, rewarded them handsomely including allocation of plots of Lands at Ajoda New Town.
In his letter to Governor Makinde, Osusu said, “My name is God’stime Gordon Osusu, a member of the Shooting Stars football Club of Ibadan 1992 set, and I do earnestly commend you for the good leadership and extraordinary works you are delivering to our beloved Oyo State and to the good people of the state.
“Your Excellency, on November 28, 1992, Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan, won the first CAF Cup. It is rather sad that up till date, we are yet to receive the land promise made by the Governor over 33 years ago. Series of letters and meetings have been written and held as regards the above matter for the Oyo State Housing Corporation to formerly hand over the plots of land allocated to us (Shooting Stars Football Players and Members),” he alleged.
Osusu continued: “I personally wrote a Letter of Demand to the General Manger of Oyo State Housing Corporation; Mr. T. S. Lawal dated July 15, 2025, with reply to their letter dated March 18, 2025, with Ref No. NTA/ED/11.795/DETS/6 with the Caption ‘Re: Offer Of Plot Allocation’.
“They notified that I write a letter to the General Manager, Oyo State Housing Corporation demanding for my Deed of Sublease since the plot has been allocated to me already, till date nothing has been done and every effort to get the allocated plots of land has proved abortive.
“Having come this far on this matter, we, the Shooting Stars Football Club players of 1992 set, that won the First CAF Cup on November 28, 1992, therefore, humbly wish to bring this situation to the notice of the Sports-loving Governor, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde and Nigerians in general that the Land Allocated to us by the then Governor, Mr. Kolapo Ishola at Ajoda New town has not been given to us by the Oyo State Housing Corporation.
“Your Excellency, Sir. Let it be known that the Oyo State Housing Corporation has been playing pranks with us (Shooting Stars players 1992 set) for years now. Some of the players have passed on to glory without the honour of the promised land made by the state. These late players include: Ajibade Babalade and Ogbein Fawole.
“Some other triumphant players like the Captain Friday Christopher, Andrew Uti and Coach Niyi Akande have gone blind as we speak today. We are tired of being fooled by the Oyo State Housing Corporation and we thought we should most respectfully let the Executive Governor of Oyo, and Nigerians know about our dilemma. We demand that the right thing be done and our lands allocated to us.
“We most confidently trust the good administration of our sports loving Governor Seyi Makinde and believe our prayers shall receive his attention to further keep Oyo State as the Pacesetters in Nigeria,” Osusu stated.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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