Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan showed class as they secured a 2-0 win over Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi to seal qualification for the President Federation Cup Round of 16
A goal in each half were all the Oluyole Warriors needed to subdue the Makurdi based side, in the all NPFL sides affair, decided at the Awka City Stadium.
The encounter, which was clearly dominated by the Oluyole Warriors, was barely six minutes old when Christian Pyagbara headed past goalkeeper Lucky Abdullahi, off a pull out by right back Muritala Taiye.
It would have been harvest of goals for the Ibadan soccer lords in the first half but Adewale Yusuf, Ayobami Junior, skipper Taofeek Malomo, Monday Gideon and Muritala Taiye unluckily missed begging chances.
The second half saw Lobi Stars trying to change the tide of the game and could have grabbed the equaliser but goalkeeper Okemute Odah pulled a fantastic save to ensure his side keep the slim slim lead.
The coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored lads put the game beyond the struggling Lobi Stars in the 74th minute after substitute, Mustapha Adams Agba’a finished off a counter attack, after he was well located by Ayobami Junior.
The victory sends the Oluyole Warriors to the next round of the country’s most glamorous football competition.
Up next for the Ibadan soccer lords is a trip to Katsina State for a NPFL matchday 33 fixture against Katsina United, scheduled for Sunday at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.