Adekanmbi backs 3SC with N2.7m as club begin NPFL campaign with victory

Adekanmbi backs 3SC with N2.7m as club begin NPFL campaign with victory

The 2027 governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has demonstrated strong support for the development of football and youth sports in the state after attending Shooting Stars Sports Club’s opening Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture against newly promoted Inter Lagos FC at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, on Friday.

Adekanmbi, who was at the stadium to cheer the Oluyole Warriors, announced financial support totalling N2.7 million for the club and its supporters as Shooting Stars began the 2026/27 NPFL season on a winning note.

The APM candidate gave N200,000 to reward the two Shooting Stars goalscorers, while another N500,000 was provided to purchase 1,000 regular match tickets for supporters to attend the game and cheer the home side.

He also donated N2 million towards the club’s preparations for its CAF Confederation Cup campaign, as the Ibadan-based side prepares to represent Nigeria on the continental stage.

Shooting Stars justified the support on the night, defeating Inter Lagos 2-1 at the Lekan Salami Stadium. Lucky Emmanuel gave the hosts the lead before Inter Lagos equalised, while Sodiq Ibrahim restored Shooting Stars’ advantage from the penalty spot shortly before half-time. The victory gave coach Salisu Yusuf a winning start to his NPFL tenure.

The result was particularly significant for Shooting Stars, who are also preparing for their CAF Confederation Cup assignment against Tunisian side CS Sfaxien. The continental engagement means the club faces an unusually demanding schedule at the beginning of the new season.

Speaking on the occasion, Adekanmbi assured supporters of his continued interest in the fortunes of the historic club, describing Shooting Stars as an important part of Oyo State’s sporting identity.

He expressed confidence that the club could build on the progress recorded under the current administration and pledged that, if elected governor, his administration would sustain and expand the gains already made in the development of the club.

Adekanmbi's intervention goes beyond the immediate financial assistance announced at Friday's match. In a statement following the victory, he described himself as passionate about sports and said a thriving Shooting Stars was important to the people of Oyo State.

He also linked sporting development to youth empowerment, arguing that sports can provide young people with opportunities to develop their talents, pursue careers and contribute positively to their communities.

“Sport brings us together, gives us something to believe in, and strengthens the bonds that make a community. That is why empowering our sporting talents and creating opportunities for our young people matters,” Adekanmbi said in a post following the match.

He further pledged to build on the momentum around Shooting Stars and take the club to greater heights.

Adekanmbi's latest intervention is consistent with a broader public profile centred on youth empowerment and human-capital development.

His enthusiasm for sport has also been publicly visible outside Shooting Stars. In June, Adekanmbi was reported to have attended Arsenal's Premier League title celebration in Ibadan, reflecting a longstanding personal interest in football.

The decision to fund 1,000 regular tickets also placed emphasis on the role of supporters in the club's resurgence.