Confed Cup : Why Shooting Stars will play home games outside Ibadan- Salami

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will play their CAF Confederation Cup home fixture away from the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, because the stadium was not among the three Nigerian venues approved for the continental competition.

The club’s Chairman, Lekan Salami explained that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved only three stadiums in Nigeria to host matches in the competition, forcing the qualified Nigerian clubs to select from the available venues.

Responding to questions on why the Oluyole Warriors would not use their traditional home ground for the continental campaign, the club’s management said the situation was not peculiar to Shooting Stars.

“Only three stadiums were approved nationwide by CAF. Only those three stadiums are accredited to host matches for the competition, so we had to choose from the available options,” the management explained.

The club added that other Nigerian teams that qualified for continental competitions were also affected by the limited number of approved venues.

Shooting Stars are expected to host their CAF Confederation Cup first-leg fixture against their Tunisian opponents in Abeokuta on September 5, before travelling for the return leg on September 13.

The club expressed confidence in its ability to progress in the competition, while acknowledging that the continental campaign would require a gradual approach.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan have unveiled a number of new partnerships and announced the appointment of coach Salisu Yusuf as part of preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The partners are Kelme, Chowdeck, Bovas and Ideas House.

Speaking at a press conference in Ibadan, the club’s chairman, Mr Lekan Salami, said the initiatives were aimed at strengthening the team both on and off the pitch as it targets an improved campaign in the new season.

Shooting Stars finished among the top three in the highly competitive NPFL last season, a result which earned the Ibadan club qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.

Salami described the continental qualification as a significant achievement for the club, noting that Shooting Stars had not featured in the competition for more than two decades.

“We are determined to build a stronger and more competitive Shooting Stars team ahead of the new season. Our objective is to improve on last season’s performance and ensure that the club competes effectively on both the domestic and continental fronts,” Salami said.

“This qualification means a lot to us and to our supporters. It is a reflection of the hard work put in by the players, coaches, management and everyone associated with the club.

“We know the demands of continental football, and we are preparing adequately for the challenge,” he said.

The Oluyole Warriors are scheduled to begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against a Tunisian opponent, with the first leg billed to take place in Abeokuta on September 5, while the return fixture is scheduled for September 13.

The club will also begin its NPFL campaign on Friday, August 28, with a home fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Salami urged supporters and football lovers to turn out in large numbers for the opening league fixture and continue their support throughout the season.

“We appeal to our supporters to remain behind the team. Their support has always been important to us, and we want them to fill the stadium and encourage the players as we begin this demanding campaign,” he said.

On the technical side, Shooting Stars confirmed the appointment of Salisu Yusuf as the club’s new Technical Adviser.

Yusuf, an experienced Nigerian tactician, has already commenced work with the team, with Salami expressing satisfaction with the changes witnessed in the squad since his arrival.

“We appointed Salisu Yusuf because of his experience, knowledge and understanding of the Nigerian football environment. We believe he has the capacity to lead the team and help us achieve our objectives,” Salami said.

According to the club, the new coach has brought fresh ideas, improved training techniques and greater belief among the players as the team prepares for the demanding season ahead.