Optima Energy Gold Cup: Shooting Stars Break Jinx, Emerge Champions

Ten-man Shooting Stars of Ibadan defied the odds as they broke their Optima Energy Gold Cup final jinx by emerging champions of the 12th edition, beating defending champions, Beyond Limits 2-0 in a tantalizing clash at the Remo Stars Stadium on Saturday.

It was heartbreak for Beyond Limits who, despite an impressive performance, were put to the sword by an experienced and more determined Oluyole Warriors.

The referee awarded 3SC a penalty on 32 minutes after Sodiq brought down Olaniyi Fasanmi, who was put through on goal by Utim.

Aliyu Abubakar then stepped up and converted to hand Shooting Stars the lead which they held going into the break.

Two minutes after the restart of the second half, 3SC lost its captain Taye Muritala, who received the marching order for a needless foul on a Beyond Limits striker.

Despite playing with a man down, the Oluyole Warriors netted their second in the 72nd minute after Desmond Ojietefian jumped highest to nod into the net.

Beyond Limits would rule lady luck and rue their missed chances as the Oluyole Warriors were crowned champions after on their fourth attempt in the final.

Shooting Stars were rewarded a sum of ₦2, 000,000 from Proud Sponsors, Optima Energy while Beyond Limits took home a sum of ₦1, 000, 000 for emerging as runners-up.

For the individual awards, Olisa Emmanuel of Beyond Limits took home the Golden Glove after keeping three clean sheets.

Benin Premier League Association Sportive de la Vallée de l’Ouémé (ASVO) FC were awarded the Best Behaved Team while Stephen Idowu got the Best Referee award.

It was deserving of Kparobo Arierhi as his three goals and one assist earned him the highest goalscorer award.

The tournament Most Valuable Player went to Shooting Stars attacker Aliyu Abubakar and his coach, Gbenga Ogunbote was named the best coach of the tourney.