Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan said Kano Pillars deserved the 4-1 victory the hosts recorded against them on Sunday in Kano.

The Oluyole warriors described the defeat as a temporary set-back to their rejuvenated team spirit.

Media officer of the club, Jubril Arowolo, said that the players had been urged to put the defeat behind them and look ahead to the next match.

He said after reviewing the loss in Kano, it was time for the team to respond to the heavy defeat by getting a good result when they visit Kwara United on Sunday.

Arowolo said there was no point looking for a scapegoat among the players

 “We have to put the defeat behind us because it was just a game out of many; you cannot blame anybody because it was a collective failure.

“We have started preparation ahead of the next match, where we hope to respond to the disappointment. There is no time to waste.

“Pillars did what they had to do in Kano. The goals were coming and they were good goals. The officiating was above average too. We played well, but lost all our scoring chances except one towards the closing stage.”

The club’s midweek match against Nasarawa United in Ibadan was postponed because the visitors have a Confederation Cup match.

Arowolo said this would present an opportunity for the players to prepare well for the Sunday match in Ilorin.

In the first round, 3SC beat Kwara United in Ibadan by 2-0 with goals coming from Najeem Olukokun and Femi Ajayi.

“We must respect our opponents and face the truth. There is no easy match in the league. Everyone is like the final. Kwara lost to Wikki Tourists in Ilorin in their last home fixture and they visit Heartland on Wednesday.

“Maybe, we will have the physical advantage, having had the time to rest, but our hosts would not want to disappoint their fans again. We must prepare well for the match,” he added.