By By: Lawrence Oseghale and Ogundare Oluwatayo
The Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, Ibadan, was filled to capacity as football enthusiasts and supporters of grassroots sports development trooped into the arena to witness the maiden edition of the Pacesetter Showcase between Oyo State foreign-based professionals and the Oyo State NPFL All-Stars on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The novelty match, sponsored by BADIG Sports Management Limited, was the first of its kind, featuring Oyo State-born players currently plying their trade in foreign leagues against players competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
Among the foreign-based players who featured in the match were Abubakar Laidi of Al-Ittihad Alexandria (Egypt), who scored the opening goal, Kosoko Toheeb of Umraniyespor FC (Turkey), Sunday Afolabi of Diamond FC (India), Adeoye Moheez and Awujoola Sodiq of Ceramica Cleopatra (Egypt), Stanley Iheanacho of CD Mafra (Portugal), Malomo Taofeek of Dynamo City (Albania), Azeez Aremu, who plays in Scotland, Babajide David of Hull City (England), Taofeek Ogunleye (Albania), and Olatunji Yusuf (United Arab Emirates), among others.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The home-based contingent featured notable players from Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), including Adelowo Gbolagade, Ismail Ayodele, Jamiu Hamzat, Tunde Azeez, Desmond, Al-Ameen Tijani and Ayobami Junior, who were members of the Super Eagles squad that won the 2026 Unity Cup. Others included Wale Akintola of Enugu Rangers, Raheem Quadri and Ajibola Usman of Ekiti United, and Nnamuchi Arinze of Inter Lagos FC.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The match kicked off at exactly 3:53 p.m., with spectators eager to witness quality football and impressive displays of skill. However, the highly anticipated encounter was soon disrupted by heavy rainfall and strong winds. The adverse weather forced some spectators to abandon their seats in search of shelter, while the waterlogged pitch slowed the pace of the game and made passing and movement more difficult for the players.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The game was played in three equal halves of 30 minutes each. The opening half ended goalless, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The second period produced better attacking opportunities. The foreign-based professionals eventually took the lead when Abubakar Laidi broke through the NPFL defence and fired a clinical strike beyond the goalkeeper into the back of the net.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
The NPFL All-Stars responded strongly and found an equaliser late in the second half from a set-piece situation. Jamiu Hamzat delivered a well-weighted free-kick into the box, where Desmond rose highest to power a header past the goalkeeper and restore parity.
The final half produced moments of brilliance, skilful footwork, and crucial saves at both ends, but neither side could find a winning goal. At the final whistle, the match ended 1-1 on a pitch already drenched by the persistent rainfall.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
Despite the challenging weather conditions, the maiden Pacesetter Showcase successfully brought together some of Oyo State’s finest football talents from home and abroad.
Photo Credit: Lawrence/Afriktimes
