Emmanuel Lucky scored a first half brace, while Ayo Adejubu, again, came off the bench to score once as Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan beat Lobi Stars of Makurdi 3-0.
It was a brave display from the Edith Agoye tutored team as they picked the all important maximum points at the expense of a 10-man Lobi Stars in the matchday 23 encounter played on Saturday afternoon at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The Oluyole Warriors, who have been under pressure from their fans, due to their winless run in the past three matches, responded perfectly to the demands of their backers with the convincing win.
The sign of a good day for tbe Oluyole Warriors showed early enough in the game as Emmanuel Lucky opened scoring for the team in the third minute.
The host continued pilling pressure on the coach Mohammed Baba Ganaru tutored lads, with tormentor in chief, Olafimihan Gafar, leading Malomo Taofeeq and Emmanuel Lucky in making life difficult for Lobi Stars.
Despite spirited efforts by Lobi Stars’ defenceline of Ganda Samuel, Ubong Williams, Solomon Kwambe and Tony Agbaji to give goalkeeper Emeka Onyia enough coverage, Emmanuel was able to hit the back of rhe net again in the 17th minute, as he perfectly nodded home a well floated free kick by Malomo.
The Ibadan soccer lords took the two goals lead into the break, although it would have been more against the visitors whose best chance in the first half was when a free kick hit the upright.
Not wanting to go down without a fight, Lobi Stars tried to make some statements in the second half, but the host refused to take their feet off the pedal as the introduction of Opeoluwa Olufemi, who returned to action after a long absence due to injury, Ewenike Achibi, Archipong Utibe and Ayo Adejubu, regained control of the match.
This paid off in the 79th minute as Ayo Adejubu waltzed through the defense of Lobi Stars before firing home for the third goal.
Goalkeeper Mustapha Alliko, who replaced injured Emeka Ovia, denied the Oluyole Warriors what could have been the fourth goal as he stopped Opeoluwa Olufemi’s shot.
The win takes the point haul of 3SC to 30 from 23 matches which moved them a place up on the log.
Up next for the Oluyole Warriors is a midweek cracker against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Diko Stadium, Katsina.
Shooting Stars XI: Ogundare Detan, Ezeh Chidera, Anaekwe Ebuka, Isiaka Mutiu, Adekunle Adeniyi, Ezeala Uche, Emmanuel Lucky (Ayo Adejubu), Gali Falke (Ewenike Achibi), Olafimihan Gafar (Opeoluwa Olufemi), Uko Anietie (Raheem Quadry), Malomo Taofeeq ( Achipong Utibe)
Unused Sub: Okanlawon Olaide, Amodu Nurudeen, Abbey Benson, Sochima Elum.
