Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the immediate release of two buses to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan after their 1-0 victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The vehicles, a 32-seater and an 18-seater, have been provided to support the Oluyole Warriors during their ongoing continental campaign.
Shooting Stars secured a narrow advantage in the first leg of their preliminary-round tie on Saturday, beating CS Sfaxien at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta.
Lucky Emmanuel scored the only goal of the match in the 25th minute, giving the Nigerian club a one-goal lead to take into the second leg.
The result marked an important moment for Shooting Stars, who are competing in African football for the first time in 27 years.
The governor’s decision was announced on Sunday in a statement issued by the Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade. The state government said the buses were intended to underline its support for the team as it seeks to progress in the CAF Confederation Cup.
The statement said the administration wanted to help maintain the club’s current momentum while also working to restore the former reputation of the “Darling Club of Oyo State”.
“The approval underscores the state government’s commitment to supporting the Oluyole Warriors as they represent Oyo State on the continental stage,” the statement partly read.
It added: “Makinde has assured the club’s supporters and fans that the state government will continue to provide the necessary support to enable Shooting Stars to remain in contention for continental honours,” the statement added.
The victory over CS Sfaxien gives Shooting Stars a slender advantage before the return fixture, with the club attempting to make a strong impression on their return to continental competition.
The Ibadan side’s success in the opening leg has also strengthened the bond between the team and the Oyo State government, which has pledged continued backing for the club.
Shooting Stars, one of Nigeria’s best-known football institutions, are known by the nickname the Oluyole Warriors. Their current continental campaign represents their first appearance in African competition in nearly three decades, making the result against CS Sfaxien particularly significant for the club and its supporters.
The two buses approved by Governor Makinde are expected to assist the team as it continues its campaign, with Shooting Stars aiming to protect its advantage and remain in contention for continental honours.