Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), a prominent Nigerian football club based in Ibadan, has experienced a significant downturn in their 2024/25 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) campaign. Their initial aspirations of vying for the league title have dwindled considerably following a protracted winless streak. After occupying the second position in the league standings for a considerable period, 3SC has now slipped to the sixth spot after a string of disappointing results. Their recent 2-0 defeat against Akwa United, a team battling relegation, further underscored their struggles.
The Oluyole Warriors, as 3SC are popularly known, have accumulated 43 points from 29 matches, placing them two points behind Rangers International, who currently hold the last continental qualification spot. Ikorodu City and Abia Warriors also sit above 3SC in the league table, further intensifying the pressure on the Ibadan-based outfit. While they were once just eight points adrift of league leaders Remo Stars, the gap has now widened to 14 points, effectively extinguishing their title hopes.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, while acknowledging the team’s recent setbacks, maintains a sense of optimism and has subtly shifted the team’s focus. Recognizing the unpredictable nature of football, he believes that 3SC can still salvage something positive from the remaining nine matches of the season. Ogunbote points out that other teams may also experience dips in form, presenting opportunities for 3SC to climb back up the table. He emphasizes the importance of fighting until the very end and not giving up on their aspirations.
Reflecting on the loss against Akwa United, Ogunbote expressed his disappointment, attributing the defeat to careless moments despite the team’s overall effort. He emphasized the need for the team to analyze their mistakes, learn from them, and return to winning ways. With nine matches remaining, Ogunbote believes that 3SC can still turn their season around and achieve a respectable finish. The upcoming match against Niger Tornadoes in Ibadan presents an opportunity for the Oluyole Warriors to bounce back and regain their winning momentum.
The dramatic decline in 3SC’s fortunes underscores the competitive nature of the NPFL. The team’s initial promise and strong position in the league standings have been eroded by a series of unfavorable results. Their inability to secure victories in their last seven matches highlights underlying issues that need to be addressed. Whether it’s a tactical deficiency, a lack of player motivation, or a combination of factors, 3SC must identify and rectify these problems to salvage their season.
The remaining nine matches of the NPFL season will be crucial for 3SC. While the title ambition has faded, the team can still aim for a continental qualification spot or a respectable finish in the league table. Achieving either of these objectives will require a significant turnaround in form and a renewed sense of determination. Coach Ogunbote’s optimism and belief in his players will be vital in motivating the team to fight for every point and finish the season strongly. The fans, too, will play a crucial role in supporting the team and encouraging them to overcome this challenging period.
