Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan on Sunday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, beat Niger Tornadoes of Minna 3-1 in a matchday 30 encounter.
The victory was a big relief for the team and its teeming backers as it ended the streak of the team, spanning eight matches, and ultimately revive the dwindling hope for a continental ticket.
Central back Ayodeji Bamidele and left Samuel Okon, who made his debut appearance for the team were on the score sheet, alongside forward Anthony Okachi.
Needing a win to change the tide, the coach Gbenga Ogunbote tutored lads showed the zeal to win right from the kick off but could not get the cutting edge despite the early raid.
Niger Tornadoes finally cave in to pressure in the 38th minute as Ayodeji Bamidele rose to nod in a cross by Ukeme Williams.
Five minutes later, the Oluyole Warriors were awarded a penalty kick after Tornadoes’ defender Sunday Akinmoladun committed a foul inside the dangerous area and Anthony Okachi stepped up to convert the kick, beating goalkeeper Yusuf Mohammed in goal for the visitors.
The few minutes left in the first half handed Shooting Stars more chances to increase their tally but none of their efforts paid off, thus ending the first half 2-0.
Niger Tornadoes tried to force their way back into the game, when they reduced the tally in the 66th minute through Sunday Williams.
Debutant Samuel Okon will later put the game beyond the visitors with a well taken third goal to send the home fans into frenzy.
The win lifts the Oluyole Warriors from the seventh to the fourth place, with 46 poiints from 30 matches.
The Ibadan soccer lords will next head for Maiduguri, Borno State, for a matchday 31 fixture against El-Kanemi Warriors, scheduled for Thursday.
Tosin Omojola
Media Officer, 3SC.