Shooting Stars Boost Continental Hopes as Aborisade Pledges Sports Transformation Agenda
A prominent gubernatorial aspirant under the platform of ADC in Oyo State, Barrister Chief Niyi Aborisade, has commended the impressive performance of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) following the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Barau FC in the Nigeria Premier Football League clash played on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Aborisade, in a statement released shortly after the victory, described the Oluyole Warriors as a pride of Oyo State and one of the biggest football institutions in Nigeria whose resurgence must be sustained through adequate support, investment and strategic sports development.
The NPFL Matchday 37 encounter saw forward Lucky Emmanuel score the decisive goal before halftime to hand Shooting Stars a crucial win in front of their passionate supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium. The victory has now boosted 3SC’s chances of securing a continental ticket ahead of their final league fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
Barrister Aborisade praised the determination, fighting spirit and discipline displayed by the players, technical crew and management of the Ibadan-based club, noting that the team has continued to make Oyo State proud throughout the season.
According to him, Shooting Stars represents more than football, describing the club as a symbol of history, culture, unity and sporting excellence in the South-West region. He recalled that the club remains one of Nigeria’s most historic and widely supported football clubs with a rich legacy dating back to the old WNDC and IICC eras.
He further charged the team not to lose focus as they prepare for their final league game against Niger Tornadoes, urging the players to give everything possible to secure victory and seal a continental ticket for next season.
“Today’s victory against Barau FC has once again shown the strength, resilience and determination of Shooting Stars. The entire Oyo State is proud of this team. I urge the players and technical crew to remain focused and finish strongly against Niger Tornadoes so that our dear state can return to the continental stage where Shooting Stars truly belongs,” he stated.
The gubernatorial hopeful also assured sports lovers that his administration would prioritize sports development if elected governor of Oyo State in 2027.
Aborisade promised massive investment in sports infrastructure, talent discovery programmes, grassroots competitions and athlete welfare across the state, stressing that sports remain a major avenue for youth empowerment, job creation and social development.
He pledged to reposition Oyo State as the leading sporting destination in Nigeria through deliberate policies that would revive football, athletics, boxing, basketball and other sporting activities across all zones of the state.
The legal practitioner and politician equally commended the supporters of Shooting Stars for their unwavering loyalty and encouragement throughout the campaign, saying the fans have remained the backbone of the club’s success story.
Shooting Stars currently remain among the top contenders for continental qualification with one decisive league match left before the end of the season.