3SC trio out of Calabar trip

Three of 3SC's key men did not make the trip to Calabar for Sunday's Nigeria Premier League (NPL) match against Akwa United.

Tope Orelope, Sope Hammed and Dele Ajiboye are the players left out of the squad by head coach, Festus Allen, for the Matchday 13 game at the UJ Esuene Stadium in Calabar.

It will be the second consecutive week that former Nigerian Under17 and Under20 goalkeeper, Ajiboye has been undressed for the Oluyole Warriors, as youngster Emmanuel Daniel is favoured to be in goal for the third consecutive game.

Ajiboye has missed the games against Lobi Stars and Warri Wolves.

Allen explained to SuperSport.com that he left out Ajiboye on grounds of allowing him recover from a knock on his knee he suffered in the game against Ocean Boys on February 18.

"I have no problem with Dele," began Allen while talking to SuperSport.com on Saturday ahead of his team's game against Akwa United on Sunday.

"He is a very good goalkeeper and he got injured in our game against Ocean Boys. Emmanuel came into the team in his absence and has done well so far and he's still in the team because we want him to build his confidence level.

"At the same time, we want Dele to fully recover while I continue to try out Emmanuel in goal as I have done with our outfield players. Also I can say it that I'm the only coach who has tried out virtually all of our playing personnel this season in the NPL," the former ABS manager said.

However, the duo of Orelope and Hammed will miss the Akwa United game due to injuries.

Orelope was substituted in the 1-1 draw against Warri Wolves in Ibadan owing to a hamstring injury while Hammed has a slight knock.

A fourth player, Yomi Adigun will face a late fitness test before Sunday's game, according to Allen.

According to statistics available to SuperSport.com, Allen has used an amazing 33 players in 3SC's 11 games - the highest by any manager in the NPL so far this season.