Governor Ajimobi pledges more support to 3SC, Crown FC

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Friday pledged the state government’s support to the two football clubs in the state, 3SC of Ibadan and Crown FC of Ogbomoso.

Ajimobi made the pledge at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, after watching the early morning training session of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).

I am impressed by your exemplary performance in recent time. I am here to appreciate you and encourage you.We will be more supportive and participate in your programmes. I assure youth that I will watch the next match of 3SC on Sunday,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 3SC, which had been adversely affected by paucity of funds blamed for its poor performance in the Nigeria Professional Football League.

They will host Sunshine Stars of Akure in Ibadan on Sunday.

The situation has led to the exit of some of its quality players and officials who could not cope with being owed backlog of salaries of up to four months.

During his visit to the team’s training session, the governor promised to also watch Crown FC of Ogbomoso’s next match.

NAN reports that Crown FC has qualified for the semi-finals stage of the Federation Cup and will play against Ifeanyi Ubah FC.

Ajimobi also promised to rehabilitate facilities at the stadium to improve on sports development in the state.

“The more we encourage sports, it has multiplier effect on the youth and interested persons to develop their mental and physical well-being,’’ he said.

Coach Gbenga Ogunbote of 3SC appreciated the visit of the governor, calling on him for more of such visits.

He assured the people that the team would give their best to ensure they escaped relegation.

Similarly, Mr Rasheed Balogun, the General Manager, 3SC assured the government that the management and players would do their best to avoid relegation.

He urged the state government to give them more support and appealed to the governor for more of such visits.

NAN reports that Mr Abayomi Oke, the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Toye Arulogun, the Commissioner for Information, Tourism and Culture and Alhaja Ololade Agboola, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports were on Ajimobi’s entourage.