Two of the four newly promoted Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) sides, Shooting Stars of Ibadan (3SC) and Remo Stars of Ikenne-Remo yesterday began their campaign in the 2021 Governor Dapo Abiodun pre-season tournament with victories over Kwara United and Ottasol FC.
The annual Gov Abiodun Cup which is staged in jIebu-Ode is one of the leading pre-season football tournaments in Nigeria.
While 3SC defeated Kwara United 1-0 in Group A, Remo Stars piped Ottasolo 2-0 in Group B opener.
In other matches played yesterday, Ijebu United edged Gateway United 2-1 while MFM shared the spoils with Niger Tornadoes in a pulsating 0-0 draw.
Other clubs participating in this year’s tournament are Sunshine Stars of Akure and Wikki Tourists of Bauchi,
During the draws which were conducted on Tuesday, shortly before the kick-off, NPFL sides, 3SC and Kwara United were grouped along with NNL sides, Gateway United and Ijebu United in Group A.
Group B has the quartet of NPFL sides, MFM, Remo Stars, Niger Tornadoes and Ottasolo FC.
3SC of Ibadan have won the two previous editions of the pre-season tournament, defeating Delta Force FC by a lone-goal in 2019 and recording the same margin against Lobi Stars of Makurdi in the 2020 edition