Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the immediate release of two buses—a 32-seater and an 18-seater—to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, in recognition of their historic 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien of Tunisia in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round. The win, secured on Saturday at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta, marks the club’s return to African football competition after a 27-year absence. Lucky Emmanuel scored the decisive goal in the 25th minute, giving Nigeria’s Oluyole Warriors a crucial one-goal advantage heading into the second leg.
The gesture from the state government underscores its commitment to supporting 3SC as they continue their continental campaign. In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government emphasized its determination to sustain the team’s momentum and restore the former glory of what is affectionately known as the “Darling Club of Oyo State.” The move also reflects broader efforts to boost sports development and local pride within the state.
Governor Makinde assured fans and supporters that the state will continue providing necessary resources to help Shooting Stars remain competitive in the tournament. This support comes at a pivotal moment for the club, which has long been a symbol of football excellence in southwestern Nigeria. The gift of the buses is expected to enhance team logistics, improve travel conditions for players and officials, and strengthen the club’s operational capacity during matches and training sessions.
The victory over CS Sfaxien was not only a significant milestone for the club but also a source of national pride. It highlights the growing strength of Nigerian football at the grassroots level and the potential for smaller clubs to compete on continental stages. As 3SC prepares for the second leg of the tie, the backing from Oyo State government serves as both encouragement and a vote of confidence in their ability to advance further in the competition.
With this support, the club aims to build on its recent success and potentially secure a place in the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup. The gesture by Governor Makinde is seen as a catalyst for greater investment in sports infrastructure and youth development in Oyo State. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Oluyole Warriors to see if they can maintain their form and bring continental glory back to Ibadan.
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