Ref spoils the fun as Bussdor edge 3SC        Posted on Friday, Apr.24th 2009

Shooting Stars were at the receiving end of yet another biased officiating when they lost 3-0 to Bussdor in a National First Division match played in Owerri on Thursday. Both teams are locked in a four-horse race with Dolphins and First Bank in the battle for elevation to the Nigeria elite league.

With all the hype that preceded the rescheduled Week 24 encounter, it was rather surprising that other factors combined to ruin what should have been a masterpiece.
3SC’s Media Officer Jubril Arowolo reports that 3SC General Manager Mutiu Adepoju was attacked by thugs believed to be working for Bussdor owner Chief Oscar Igbokwe. Even players and officials of Shooting Stars were threatened with various acts of intimidation.

However, the game still witnessed a thrill-per-minute action at the jam-packed Dan Anyiam Stadium as both teams dished out the stuff only champions are made of.
But centre referee Onuohaha from Anambra State was another kill-joy as he ruined the fun with his poor handling of the game
The explosive encounter saw Bussdor leading 1-0 at half time after Marcus Okoye hit the back of the net.

Okoye was on song again eight minutes after the restart when he capitalized on a defensive lapse to double the home side’s lead.
Chukwu Chima then rammed home the last goal on 69 minutes to seal a comprehensive win for the promotion-seeking Bussdor. 

Thursday’s defeat by Bussdor notwithstanding, Shooting Stars remain on course for promotion following Dolphins’ 3-2 loss to Gabros International in Nnewi.
The Oluyole Warriors will be presented with another chance to solidify their league standing when they host Ila Orangun at the Lekan Salami Stadium on Sunday.
Both teams grinded out a 1-all draw in their first round clash in Oshogbo .

Midweek results
Bussdor FC 3-0 Shooting Stars
Gabros Int’l 3-2 Dolphins
Kolu United 0-0 Insurance
Union Bank 2-1 Anambra United
Crown FC 1-1 FC Ebedei
Ila Orangun 1-0 Delta Force
OUK FC 2-0 Prime FC
Julius Berger 2-0 First Bank

By Mark Ogagan