A hattrick is always received with adulations and delight. However, what happens when one reaches a haul? Well, according to the Head coach, Olumide Ajibolade, focus on the academy’s core mission: player development. The season started slow for the Sky Blue Stars, losing 2 of their first four games. It did seem this team was gotten. The problem for the rest of the league was, that they celebrated too early, as Coach Olumide’s troops put together the most insane run in TCC League history. It was a blitzkrieg, and nobody was left off the hit list. The team was Cuba Gooding Jr, and they held no prisoners, going on an 18-game unbeaten run. For context, if this was juxtaposed with their victorious 2022/23 season, which was an 18-game season, they would won the title with two games to spare. Their own records are no longer safe.

They scored 65 times, a whooping 19 more goals than the last season, with their goal difference at +33. They conceded 9 of their 32 goals in their first 4 matchdays, a window in which they had only tallied 9 goals as well. A lot changed between Matchweeks 4 and 5 and after that, they had a 6-game win streak and a pair of 3-game win runs. A 7-1 win over Dannaz on Matchday 18 inadvertently proved pivotal, but it was one of many high points; The 5-3 Clasico win over Gbagada, The nervy 2-1 win at Dino, and the double-header against Imperial which they won 3-2 and 3-1 respectively.

Imagine the surprise when none of their players made the TCC Team of the season list. Coach Ajibola played it down, and mentioned the teamwork of the players, but how dare this writer forget the 22 goals of ultimate marksman, Kparhobo Arierhi? No one will forget the defensive sturdiness of Adebayo Dikko or the safe hands of Daniel Ayenugba and Favour Aputaziem, nor will this writer leave off midfield metronome, Taiwo Cole. They are the history makers, the Four-time champions. They are well Beyond Limits.

CUP

The elusive Cup title did come home after four tries and two heartbreaking final losses. The desire to be double champion burning in the hearts of the powerbrokers in Ikenne meant there was pressure. But it was no pressure. Qualification was sealed early, with top spot assured with two games to spare. A 5-1 win in the Quarter-finals over Dannaz put the league on notice. However, there were growing pains in the semis and finals, with history seemingly repeating itself. A topsy-turvy 2-2 draw in the semis was followed by triumph before Ayenugba proved to be the hero again as they downed Sporting Lagos on penalties in the final. This was their moment. Glory on all fronts.