Shooting Stars players in action

Shooting Stars Football Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday moved out of the relegation zone of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) log after defeating visiting Katsina United FC 1-0.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Oluyole Warriors had been, before the Match Day 29 fixture, languishing among the bottom four clubs on the league table.

But they secured three points to climb to the 15th position on the log with 36 points after Wasiu Jimoh’s 44th minute goal.

Jimoh scored with a direct free-kick which went past a bemused Katsina United FC goalkeeper, Dami Paul.

NAN reports that all efforts by the visitors to equalise the goal were thwarted by the home team, which went on to dominate the game.

Baldwin Bazuaye, Katsina United FC’s coach, later told newsmen that he was satisfied with the performance of his team in spite of the loss.

Bazuaye however said he was not in Ibadan with his best players,

“We would have defeated 3SC or leave Ibadan with a goalless draw if my team had not conceded the goal early.

“3SC got the opportunity at a better time and converted it. I am happy with the performance of my players, though they are not my best 11.

“However, we will put in more efforts in the remaining matches to get better results,’’ he said.

Edith Agoye, the coach of 3SC, told newsmen also that his players came all out to win the game knowing the implications of team’s position on the league table.

“Our position on the league table before the match is not favourable at all. The players have to go all out and win the game to move out of the relegation zone.

“We thank God that we have moved out. But we will not relent in winning our remaining games to be at a more comfortable position on the league table,’’ he said.

Agoye commended the doggedness of the players, while he also appreciated the prayers and contributions of the club’s teeming fans across the globe. (NAN)