NAN-S-22
Attack
By Ayodeji Alabi
Akure, Sept. 25, 2017 (NAN) An official of the Ondo State Government on Monday described the attack on the state’s representatives in the 2017 Aiteo Cup competition, Sunshine Stars Football Club, as an unwarranted aggression.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the quarter-final second leg match between the Akure-based side and Osun United FC of Osogbo last Saturday degenerated into a brawl.
At the end of it, some of the players of the Ondo State team and members of their Supporters Club were left injured.
Saka Ogunleye, the state’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Development, told newsmen in Akure that he was surprised at the incident.
“It was a surprise, because the first leg match between both teams which took place at the Osun State Sports Complex in Osogbo and which Sunshine Stars lost 0-1 was a peaceful encounter,’’ he said.
The commissioner explained that the second leg match at the Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu-Ode started peacefully but degenerated into a brawl at the end of the match.
“At the beginning of the game which ended 3-1 in favour of Sunshine Stars, about 30 buses with Osun United supporters came in. But we were unaware that there were evil plans.
“It was a match between neighbouring states, but it was at the end of the game we realised that they came as aggressors.
“They attacked several of our supporters and players, which resulted in two supporters seriously injured because they wore Sunshine Stars jersey.
“As a peace-loving state, we think it’s necessary to inform the world that this should not have degenerated to such level. Sports activities like football should unite us,” he said.
The Commissioner however, assured that the attack would not in any way affect the excellent performance and concentration of Sunshine Stars in upcoming matches.
“It is clear, our players and supporters were attacked and injured. The matter has been reported at the police station.
“Also, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials and football agencies are already aware.
“But I don’t think the attack will affect our chances of progressing in the tournament. I can say precisely now that we are in the semi-finals of the competition for good.
“Probably, our next match will be against Akwa United, and this will not deter us. We are focused more than ever.
“ But we wonder why they went to the venue of the match with about 30 vehicles. It may be reasons best known to them only. But for us in Ondo State, we will continue to be peaceful and law-abiding.
“We will continue to channel our grievances through the appropriate quarters and we will not take law into our hands,’’ he assured.(NAN)
AYO/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
