#DapoAbiodunCup21 Day 5 Wrap: Sunshine Stars seal semifinal spot as Niger Tornadoes bow out in 5-goal thriller

 

Sunshine Stars booked the final spot of the Semifinals after playing out a 1-1 against MFM FC on Matchday five of the Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament. 

The Olukoya boys went ahead in the 60th minute after substitute, Ojo Quadri put the ball past Mustapha Lawal in goal with a well taken shot inside the area. 

Sunshine Stars restored parity with their counter attack, and Olasupo Samson took the final pass to slot the ball home and made it his third goal of the tournament. 

In a dead-rubber game, Niger Tornadoes beat Ottasolo 3-2 to get their only win of the tournament. 

It was an interesting first half as both teams wanted to leave the tournament with pride despite not having a chance to advance to the next round. 

Ahmadu Liman opened scoring for Niger Tornadoes with a fine strike in the 20th minute before former MFM FC defender, Adeyinka Najeem doubled their lead with a stunning strike from the right. 

Ifeanyi Ogba reduced the deficit for Ottasolo FC in the 39th minute before David Nnaji made it 3-1 to Niger Tornadoes just before halftime. 

Ottasolo FC fought hard to level the scoring but could only get a spot kick in the 90th minute, and it was converted by Tomola Megba for 3-2 to Niger Tornadoes. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Coordinator of Dapo Abiodun preseason tournament, Oye Bawala praised the effort of teams who have made it to the semifinals. 

“We want to use this medium to appreciate all the teams that came for the tournament this year and also congratulate the four teams, who have made it to the semifinals, we wish them all the best. 

“A special mention to Niger Tornadoes, who made it to the tournament from Minna, we really appreciate them for participating in this year’s tournament. We hope to see them next year”. Bawala said.

#DapoAbidounCup21: Gateway United share points with 3SC as Sunshine wins the battle of Stars against Remo

Gateway United put up a spirited performance to hold defending champions, Shooting Stars to a 1-1 draw in the first game of Matchday Two.

Ayo Adejubu opened the scoring in the second minute of the game with a fine strike from a tight angle. Gateway United came back into the game, after Seyi Okeowo’s pass met Emmanuel Orji inside the area, and the tall striker calmly slotted the ball home.

Kwara United bounced back from their defeat in the first game to Shooting Stars, as they claimed a 1-0 win over Ijebu United. 

A first half goal from Kabir Balogun in the 34th minute was enough to give Kwara United their first win of the tournament. 

Sunshine Stars started their campaign on a winning note, after claiming a hard fought 1-0 win against Remo Stars. 

First half ended without a goal after both teams missed several chances to score. Hadi Mohammed broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute after putting the ball past James Faith in goal. 

Two second half goals from Ndubusi Pascal and Dennis Obasi ensured MFM FC get their first win of the tournament. 

First half ended in stalemate, until Ndubusi Pascal benefited from a through pass to beat Shodipo Korede in goal. Dayo Alabi’s shot inside the area was saved by Korede before a rebound from Dennis Obasi made it 2-0 to the Olukoya boys. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Sunshine Stars coach, Deji Ayeni spoke about the importance of the tournament. 

"This is a good opportunity to blend our new and old players before the new season. The victory is good for the team.

“We knew Remo Stars has got a good squad and they also have a coach with a rich history, it was a good test for our team and the victory will motivate our work”. Deji Ayeni said. 

The tournament sponsored by Bet9ja and Value Jet is an initiative of Otunba Tade Azeez, President Nigeria Referees Association.

#DapoAbidounCup21 Day One Wrap: 3SC pips Kwara Utd as Remo Stars outclass Ottasolo FC

Shooting Stars kickstart their title defense on a winning note with a 1-0 win over Kwara United. Both sides had their chances but failed to convert in the first 45 minutes. 

Oluyole Warriors started strong in the second half and broke the dreadlock with a fine header from Malomo Ayodeji in the 47th minute. 

An entertaining affair between Gateway United and Ijebu United in a local derby which produced three goals. Ijebu claimed a 2-1 win against Gateway with all the goals coming in the first half of the game. 

Remo Stars cruised to a 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. The sky blue stars started strong after hitting the post early in the game from a Dayo Ojo’s freekick. 

Tolulope Ojo opened scoring with a well placed shot in the 70th minute after Qudus Akanni played a fine cross from the right. Seun Ogunribide sealed the win, after scoring a sumptuous freekick in the 90th minute. 

It ended a stalemate between MFM FC and Niger Tornadoes in the last game of Matchday One. Niger Tornadoes almost claimed all three points in the final minutes of the game but a goal line clearance from Chinonso Michael ensured the match end in a draw. 

POST-MATCH INTERVIEW: 

Remo Stars coach, Gbenga Ogunbote spoke about the qualities of his team after their 2-0 win over Ottasolo FC. 

“We have talented, quality, and young players, we are working to make a big statement in the season. We are a work in progress. The tournament has high quality and it offers a good opportunity to continue working with the team”. 

The tournament sponsored by Bet9ja and Value Jet is an initiative of Otunba Tade Azeez, President Nigeria Referees Association.

#DapoAbidounCup21