Godwin Odibo’s late goal gives Shooting Stars victory over Bendel Insurance

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan continued with their impressive run of form with a hard won 1-0 win over hard fighting Bendel Insurance of Benin, on Saturday.

Once again, the technical know how of the Gbenga Ogunbote led coaching crew made it happen, as new comer, Godwin Odibo scored the all important goal few minutes after he was introduced into the game.

The Benin Arsenal, under the tutelage of coach Greg Ikhenoba, gave the Oluyole Warriors a run for their money, especially in the first half, in which the hosts were stretched to the limit.

While they tried to break the resilient 3SC defense to no avail, the visitors however, have their defenceline and goalkeeper Joshua Baba to thank, as both sides battled to a goalless first half.

Apparently aware of the importance of the maximum points, Shooting Stars came out smoking in the second half, making penetration into the dangerous area of the Benin based side.

Coach Ogunbote’s introduction of Mustapha Adams and Ukeme Williams and later Odibo and Ekeson Okorie, increased the pressure on Bendel Insurance.

With tine ticking away and tension growing, Odibo, who only joined the Ibadan soccer lords few days ago, saved the day for the home side, flashing the ball past goalkeeper Joshua, after lashing onto a rebound off Mustapha Adam’s shot.

That goal, which sent the Lekan Salami Stadium into frenzy, was all that made the difference as Shooting Stars remained unbeaten in eight matches, while goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal also extended his clean sheet to 11.

The win keeps the Oluyole Warriors in second place on the log as they head to Ilorin for a rescheduled Matchday 20 fixture against Kwara United on Wednesday.

In other games played on Saturday, Katsina United , Elkanemi Warriors defeated Heartland FC and Nasarawa United 1-0 respectfully . While the game between Remo Stars and Kano Pillars ended 2-1 in favour Remo .