#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

Dapo Abiodun Cup Draw: Defending Champions 3SC rekindles rivalry with Kwara United as Ogunbote faces former club

 

Defending Champions of the Dapo Abiodun Preseason tournament, Shooting Stars sports club have been placed alongside NPFL side, Kwara United and two NNL sides, Gateway United and Ijebu United in Group A. 

Shooting Stars won the two previous editions of the tournament, and claimed the last title with a 1-0 win over Lobi Stars. The Oluyole Warriors will hope to defend their title, when they face Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kwara United, and two Nigeria National League side, Gateway United and Ijebu United in Group A. 

New coach of Remo Stars, Gbenga Ogunbote will face his immediate former side, Sunshine Stars in Group B, with two NPFL sides, MFM FC, Niger Tornadoes, and Ottasolo completing Group B. 

The opening match of the tournament, Shooting Stars against Kwara United will kickoff by 7:30am on Tuesday, 12th of October. 

Dapo Abiodun Preseason Tournament: Draw 

Group  A 

Shooting Stars

Kwara United

Gateway United

Ijebu United

Group B 

Sunshine Stars

Remo Stars

MFM FC

Niger Tornadoes 

Ottasolo FC. 

MATCHDAY ONE FIXTURES: 

Shooting Stars vs Kwara United 

Kickoff: 7-30am 

Venue: Main Bowl 

Gateway United vs Ijebu United

Kickoff: 9-30am  

Venue: Practice Pitch 1

Remo Stars vs Ottasolo FC  

Kickoff: 9-30am

Venue: Main Bowl 

MFM  FC vs Niger Tornadoes  

Kickoff: 3-30pm  

Venue: Main Bowl.

Dapo Abiodun Pre-season Tourney comes with freshness, gets date for 2021 edition

 

The organizers of the Dapo Abiodun Pre-season Tournament have released this year’s edition calendar. The prestigious pre-season tournament will hold from 12-21 October, 2021 in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

This is the third edition of the pre-season tournament designed to help top clubs in Nigeria prepare for the new season. Shooting Stars have won the previous two editions of the tournament.

Tournament Coordinator Oye Bawala has disclosed that 16 clubs will participate in this year’s edition. Dipo Dina International Stadium, Ijebu-Ode has been the traditional venue for the tournament and it will host 10 NPFL and six NNL clubs next month.

“We have grown from the first edition and we are excited to host the third edition next month. We are happy for the clubs that participated last year for achieving success. The Cup champions, Shooting Stars sealed an NPFL ticket while Rivers United finished with a CAF Champions League ticket. The benefits for all the clubs that participated were huge and the tournament had positive impact.”

The biggest indigenous betting company, Bet9ja and fast-growing airline ValueJet were major sponsors in the second edition. Bawala appreciate the private investors and the Ogun State government.

“We appreciate Ogun State government for their technical support since the first edition of the tournament in 2019, we are happy to contribute to this administration via sports. The economic gain for the State is unprecedented and the positive mileage for the State is enormous.

“Bet9ja and ValueJet added brand value to the tournament last year, we are honoured to have them associate with us. It’s our ultimate target to involve private sectors with historic background from Ogun State. The partnerships with private sectors will make the tournament stronger and make the state hub for football,” said Bawala.