By Our Correspondent

Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan continue their impressive run in the league following a resounding 3-0 victory over Osun United in the Week 5 encounter of the ongoing Nigeria National League (NNL).

The match, earlier billed for Wednesday, March 10 but shifted to Thursday morning due to late arrival of match officials saw the Omoluabi Giants controlling the length and breadth of the Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu Ode in the first half while the Oluyole Warriors were running around like pregnant cows, defending the offensive onslaught from Jabar Anifowose, Yomi Olaoke and Monsuru Adio.

Osun United skipper, Hakeem Olaler lived up to expectations as he combined well with Azeez Alani in the midfield while Akilapa Olusola and Jerry Okon surreptitiously silenced and outclassed Gafar Olafimihan and Malomo Ayodeji, as a teenager Mubarak Oyelade marked Chinedu Enuademu down. However, all efforts by United to get a breakthrough were unsuccessful as Detan Ogundare in goal for 3SC was calm behind Abbey Benson and Omololu Waheed.

Knowing what was at stake, 3SC coach Edith Agoye, on resumption in the second half brought in Opeoluwa Olufemi, Muritala Taiye and Osaghe Junior to replace Chinedu Enuademu, Anthony Okachi and Ferinyaro Lanre and this worked well for him as the hosts began to torment Osun United.

The change later paid off in the 59th minute when former Osun United striker, Gafar Olafimihan nodded in from the free kick to give 3SC Chairman, Rasheed Balogun, who had been amazed by the pressure of Osun United players over his well remunerated team a sigh of relief.

The Oluyole Warriors continued to mount further pressure and were rewarded again with the second goal in the 67th minute when Malomo Ayodeji cut in from the right flank and slot in a parallel shot beyond the reach of Osun United gaolie, Arinze Okoro to send the anxious supporters into a wild jubilation.

Coach Omokaro replaced Yomi Olaoke, Monsuru Adio and Akpesiri Naibe with Victor Okeji, Dennis Meshach and Danladi Azeez but the hosts kept pushing for more goals which worked out when another 3sc substitute, Nwankwegwu Hyacinth broke through the defence of Osun United to connect a well tailored pass from Gafar Olafimihan in the 86th to put the game beyond the reach of Osun United with the third goal.

Coach Edith Agoye, while speaking with sports journalists described the match as a fierce southwest derby and expressed happiness with the performance of his boys, particularly in the second half.

“We played against a team that is very strong, technically and tactically good. Don’t forget this is a southwest derby and we expect it to be very tough. In the second half, we made perfect change and we’re able to score goals. We are not there yet as we shall keep pushing for more victories.”

Osun United gaffer, Bright Omokaro (MON) in his remarks acknowledged that the result was bad and promised to work harder in subsequent matches.

“Of course I am not happy with the result but that’s football for you. We will go back, reflect on the match and make necessary corrections before our next game.”

If the verdict of the NNL remains unchanged, Osun United will play host to Ekiti United on Saturday at the Ilorin Township Stadium while 3SC will host Dynamite Force in another home game in Ijebu Ode.