3SC’s Adegoke shines as Chelle scouts NPFL players

Qamar Adegoke scored his 10th goal of the season on Sunday, rising to the occasion with the winner as Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was on ground to watch Shooting Stars SC’s 3-2 win over Nasarawa United, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Chelle has opened the door of the national team to top players in the Nigeria Premier Football League and uncapped Nigerian players abroad ahead of the tournament billed for May 26 to 30.

The Unity Cup is an invitational tournament played outside the FIFA international window, and Nigeria will defend the title they won last year against India, Jamaica and Zimbabwe.

In Ibadan, Chelle was treated to a spectacle as the two teams locked horns in a potential continental ticket decider.

Shooting Stars needed a win to move above the Solid Miners, and the day started well with Lucky Emmanuel’s brace giving them a 2-0 lead inside the opening half hour.

JoFrank Istifanus, however, pulled one back for Nasarawa United before half-time, while Habibu Alakija levelled matters in the 57th minute.

Adegoke, who is also a former Nasarawa United player, had the final say in the encounter, netting the winner in the 77th minute and moving Shooting Stars to third place on the table with 57 points after 36 matches.

 The goal took his tally to 10, placing him among the contenders for the highest goalscorer award with two games to go.

Interestingly, nine of his goals this season have come from the bench. He has now scored six goals at home and four away as a key part of Shooting Stars’ rebuilding process.

The player also spoke about his desire to play for Nigeria.

“My ambition is not just to play the game, but to master it — to become a player well known for intelligence on the ball, resilience under pressure and commitment to growth every single day. I want to represent my club and my country with pride, earn recognition through hard work and eventually compete at the highest level of European football,” he told PUNCH Sports Extra.

Despite their modest ambitions this season, Shooting Stars could consider themselves overachievers if they secure a CAF Confederation Cup ticket, and the striker is poised to help them achieve their objective.

“I hope to help my club achieve our target this season, which requires a combination of individual commitment, teamwork and discipline. I understand the team’s target this season, and we are on it. I’m sure we will reach our objective.”

Up next for Adegoke and Shooting Stars is a trip to Niger Tornadoes.

Meanwhile, Chelle is also expected to watch Ikorodu City vs Wikki Tourists on Tuesday to watch other prospects.