By Sunday Agunbiade
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday reclaimed the State Federation’s Cup title it lost to Ilaji FC last year as they defeated the hard fighting Crown FC of Ogbomoso 4-2 in the penalty shoot outs.
Established in 1945 as Governor’s Cup, with initial format played in 4 regions: North, East ,West and Lagos Capital territory. In 1963,the Western Region was split into two with the Mud-West becoming the fifth region. The Competition metamorphosed into Nigeria FA cup from 1954-1959 and it changed nomenclature to Nigeria Challenge Cup from 1960-1998, then, Coca-Cola F.A Cup from 1999 to 2008 while the last sponsor was Aiteo Cup before it turns to President Federation Cup in 2024.
Oluyole Warriors have won the President Federation’s Cup 8th time at the national level winning it in 1959, 1961, 1966, 1969 (as Ibadan Lions), 1971 (as WNDC) Ibadan. 1977, 1979 and 1995 (as Shooting Stars Sports Club).
It was a nerve wrecking final match decided at the Lekan Salami stadium , Adamasingba, Ibadan where the standard expected of the two local rivals poignantly slurred.
Both coaches-Gbenga Ogunbote of Shooting Stars and Deji Ayeni of Crown FC thrilled their teaming fans with great football artistry as the two sides ceated several chances in the pulsating encounter . It was 3SC that came close to scoring at the 89 minutes but were denied by woodwork.
At the ensuing penalty shootouts, it was the Oluyole Warriors that converted four of their kicks with Mustapha Adams, Ikouwem Utim, Bamidele Ayodeji and Gbolagade Adelowo made no mistake while 3SC goalkeeper, Mustapha Lawal (Spider), who replaced impressive goalkeeper, Anozie Chindeu towards the end of the game, justified his introduction as he saved two of Crown’s penalty kicks.
As it stands, both teams will represent the Pace Setters State in the national President Federation Cup wherein the Oluyole Warriors triumphed last in 1995
Dignitaries present at the game were the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Honourable Wasilat Adefemi Adegoke, Chairman Oyo FA , Alakinyele of Akinyele, His Royal Higness, Oba Oluyemi James Odeniran, Immediate past Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole, Oyo FA Secretary, Mr Kehinde Ojelowo Adebayo, Chairman, Cool Global Interlink, Alhaji Hamzat Kolade, Ex Super Eagles forward, Mutiu Adepoju (the Headmaster), Chairman, Ibadan Zonal Football Council, Mogaji Barrister Rotimi Ali,Professor of Sports Medicine from University of Ibadan, former General Manager of the state Sports Council, Mr Gboyega Makinde , Chairman, Shooting Stars Sports Club, Honourable Olaniyan David Akoro, General Manager, Crown FC, Ogbomoso, Mr Olamide Ilupeju (Ortega), Board Members of Oyo FA, Comrade Ayangbile Isaac Adewale who doubles as Vice Chairman, Coach John Kayode Ogunleye Chairman, Technical Committee, Alhaji Azeez , Mr Michael Oladeni, CEO, Gold Mender, Abe Akinbobola among others.
