Efforts by former players of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to receive their long-promised rewards for their achievements in the 1998 season have hit another roadblock.
Despite winning both the domestic league title and the WAFU Cup that year, the players have yet to receive the full compensation promised to them by the then Military Governor, Compol Amen Oyakhire. The pledge included plots of land and cash rewards, but while the land allocations were initially made, they were later revoked by Oyakhire’s successor, Governor Lam Adesina.
For decades, the ex-players have fought for their entitlements, with renewed efforts led by former club secretary Mr. Akin Maxwell following the passing of Elder Bode Oyewole, the previous advocate for the 1998 squad. In January 2025, hope was rekindled when reports surfaced that Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, had approved their long-awaited rewards.
However, that optimism quickly faded as it became evident that only the land allocations had been approved, while the cash rewards were omitted.
Discontent Over the Decision
A committee chaired by Reverend Idowu Ogedengbe—comprising key figures such as 3SC Chairman Hon. Tunde Olaniyan, Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Youths and Sports Mrs. Olubukola Oladipo, and other officials—had earlier recommended both land and cash rewards. They even suggested increasing the original cash amount by 50% to account for inflation and the delay.
Yet, when a white paper on the committee’s findings was submitted by the Office of the Head of Service, the cash rewards were notably absent, with officials citing a lack of evidence that the payments had been promised or collected previously.
Players Demand Justice
The omission of financial compensation has sparked outrage among the affected players, some of whom have passed away while waiting for their entitlements. One of the ex-players voiced his frustration:
"The rejection of cash rewards is unfair. We are not beggars; we are simply asking for what we are owed. The government made a promise in 1998 for making the state proud, and yet it remains unfulfilled. It is disheartening that the cash rewards have been excluded at this stage. A promise should be kept in full."
He further emphasized their determination to continue pressing for justice, stating, "We have already waited for 27 years. We will not relent until we receive everything we were promised. We believe Governor Makinde is a compassionate leader, and we hope he will listen to our plea."
For now, the former 3SC players remain resolute in their pursuit of full recognition and compensation for their contributions to Oyo State’s football history.