Executive Chairman, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, Hon Babatunde David Olaniyan has commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, for his efforts in ensuring that the club retain its status in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Ibadan-based club struggled through the season but reignited their campaign towards the season’s end, recording good results with a 3-2 win against league champions Rivers United.
Despite the Oluyole boys losing in their final league game to relegated Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, they were able to beat the likes of Katsina United, and Heartland of Owerri to finished 16th on the NPFL chart.
Astonished by the contributions made by Governor Makinde and other stakeholders to charge the club to victory in the turbulent season, Babatunde who was a former deputy speaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, stressed that without their support it could have been impossible to record such a feat.
In a statement released by the 3SC media department on Monday and signed by the chairman of the club, Babatunde also appreciated the media for their criticism which he acknowledged spurred them to improve on their game.
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“It was a very difficult season for us, it was not easy but we thank God for seeing us through at the end of the day,” Babatunde said.
“On behalf of the management and the entire team, I want to thank specially our amiable governor, the number one supporter of 3SC, His Excellency Engineer Seyi Makinde for his commitment and support, which in no small means, aided the survival of the club from an imminent relegation.
“We cannot quantify His Excellency’s unflinching support and total commitment. The fact is, without the governor’s backing in all ramifications, our survival would not have been possible, hence the need to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency.
“Our appreciation also goes to every stakeholder including the State Ministry of Youth and Sports, under the able leadership of Asiwaju Seun Fakorede, Oyo State Sports Council, led by Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole, the Oyo State Football Association, under the chairmanship of Oba James Odeniran as well as the Supporters Club and the fans in general, for their support through their prayers.
“We cannot also forget our friends in the media, whose criticism put us on our toes and always pushed us to correct every wrong in the course of the season, which to a large extent helped us.
“I also give kudos to the entire team, the technical crew and the players for their commitment and determination towards making the survival possible. The teamwork really paid off.
“Let me also use this medium to promise that next season will be positively different as we will commence efforts immediately, to correct all the lapses discovered in the just concluded season, with a view to putting up a more rewarding performance next season,” the 3SC chairman assured.
Spectacularly, 3SC after matchday 32 defeat to Dakkada FC in Uyo, on June 5, 2022, kick-started a reverberated campaign with a 2-1 win against Plateau United and sustained three draws thereafter before picking three points from the Pride of Rivers to go unbeaten in 5 consecutive games.
