Arowolo, Elvis Recount 3SC Ordeal In Gombe

Spokesman of Shooting Stars, 3SC of Ibadan, Jubril Arowolo and one of their players, Kingsley Elvis have recounted what the team went through when they honoured a league tie against Gombe United in Gombe State.

Arowolo disclosed that one of their players, Raheem Owolabi, who was stabbed, fainted before he was revived by club officials. The incident happened when angry fans unleashed terror on 3SC squad after hosts Gombe defeated them 2-1 in a Week 22 Nigeria Premier League, NPL tie.

“He was out and we managed to revive him after about half an hour,” Arowolo disclosed.

The player, Owolabi stated that he was lucky to be alive.

“It was a terrible experience but I just thank Allah that I’m still alive. I was told I collapsed for some minutes but I’m okay now and stable,” he said.

Experienced midfielder Elvis said it was a terrible experience, which the NPL need to investigate and crack down on.

“A similar thing happened to Rangers in Bauchi because I was with one of their players on phone when they were attacked,” said the former Enyimba star.

Executive secretary of NPL, Tunji Babalola said he was yet to receive a formal detailed report of the crowd trouble in either Gombe or Bauchi.

“We have received some information in that regard but we are still waiting for the official match reports,” Babalola said.

Meanwhile, furious 3SC coach, Tunde Odubola decried the officiating of the game in Gombe.

”The referee spoilt our day, he was so bias,” lamented Odubola, who said he suffered bruises from the fans attack on his team.

“The referee is a disgrace to Nigerian referee because I don’t know where we are going with such match officials.

“Those in charge of our football must wake up. What we experienced was bad and the NPL have to investigate it.”