Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have parted ways with head coach Nurudeen Aweroro by mutual consent, with the club also announcing the departure of team manager Tammy Tamuno and assistant coach Shakiru Lawal, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The decision comes weeks after Aweroro guided the Oluyole Warriors to an impressive third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season, securing the club a place in the CAF Confederation Cup.

In a statement, 3SC confirmed that the decision followed discussions with the affected members of the technical team, with all parties agreeing to terminate their respective contracts with immediate effect.

“We have reached a mutual agreement with Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, Team Manager Tammy Tamuno and Assistant Coach Shakiru Lawal to bring their respective contracts with the club to an end, with immediate effect.

“The decision follows discussions between the club and the affected members of the technical team, with both parties agreeing to part ways amicably.”

The Ibadan-based club expressed appreciation to Aweroro, Tamuno and Lawal for their commitment and professionalism during their time with the Oluyole Warriors.

3SC particularly acknowledged their role in the club’s impressive 2025/26 campaign, which ended with a third-place finish and qualification for continental football.

“The Club particularly acknowledges their efforts in helping Shooting Stars achieve a third-place finish in the 2025/26 NPFL season and secure a continental ticket.

“We thank them immensely for their service and wish them all the very best in their future endeavours and continued success in their careers.”

The club added that its remaining assistant coaches have been instructed to oversee the technical department on an interim basis while management works towards appointing a substantive head coach.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, are assured of a financial reward from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), even if they are eliminated in the preliminary rounds, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

CAF has confirmed that every club knocked out during the qualifying stages of both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will receive a solidarity payment of USD 100,000.

The initiative is part of the continental governing body's efforts to strengthen African club football by providing financial assistance to participating teams and encouraging greater involvement in its premier inter-club competitions.

As a result, Nigeria's four representatives will each be eligible for the financial support should their campaigns end in the opening qualifying rounds.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the organisation's commitment to investing in clubs across Africa, stressing that more teams should benefit from the governing body's growing commercial success and football development programmes.

The solidarity payments are expected to ease the financial burden on participating clubs, improve their operational capacity, and enhance their competitiveness on the continental stage as CAF continues to expand support for African club football.

Nigeria's representatives in the 2026/27 CAF inter-club competitions, Rangers International, Rivers United, Shooting Stars, and El Kanemi Warriors, will learn their preliminary round opponents on Thursday when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) conducts the official draws in Cairo, Egypt, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.

The draws for both the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederation Cup will be held at CAF headquarters on Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The CAF Confederation Cup draw is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. Cairo time (11:00 GMT), while the CAF Champions League draw will follow at 3:00 p.m. Cairo time (12:00 GMT).

Rangers International and Rivers United will fly Nigeria's flag in the CAF Champions League after securing top finishes in the Nigeria Premier Football League last season.

Shooting Stars and President Federation Cup winners El Kanemi Warriors will represent the country in the CAF Confederation Cup as they aim to make an impact on the continental stage.

The draw will determine the preliminary round fixtures for all four Nigerian clubs as they begin their campaigns in pursuit of continental glory during the 2026/27 CAF inter-club season.

Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) winger Ismail Ayodele has issued an unreserved apology to the club's management, coaching staff, teammates and supporters following his unauthorised absence from the team's pre-season activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Ayodele, who was previously declared absent without official leave by the Nigeria Premier Football League side, returned to the club on Monday and has since resumed training with the rest of the squad.

The winger expressed regret over the incident in a statement shared on his social media platforms, admitting his mistake and offering a sincere apology to everyone affected by his actions.

His return comes as Shooting Stars continue preparations for the 2026/27 NPFL season, with the club now expected to shift its attention fully to the new campaign.

Ayodele will be hoping to put the episode behind him, rebuild confidence within the squad and focus on making a positive contribution for the Oluyole Warriors in the coming season.

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have declared winger Ismail Ayodele absent without official leave (AWOL) after he failed to report for the club's scheduled activities, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The Ibadan-based club disclosed that the winger, who still has one year remaining on his current contract, has not resumed with the squad as expected ahead of preparations for the new season.

According to the club, Ayodele's absence constitutes a breach of his contractual obligations, stressing that the player remains under contract and is required to fulfil the terms of his agreement.

Shooting Stars have yet to announce any disciplinary measures against the winger, but indicated that the matter will be handled in accordance with the club's internal regulations and the provisions of his contract.

Nigerian clubs Rangers, Rivers United and Shooting Stars will begin their quests for continental success in September after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the fixture schedule for the 2026/27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

According to the timetable released by CAF, the opening preliminary round of both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

Teams that progress will advance to the second preliminary round, where the first-leg matches will take place between October 16 and 18, while the decisive return fixtures are slated for October 23 to 25.

The group stage of both tournaments is expected to get underway at the end of November, with clubs across the continent battling for continental honours.

CAF has also retained its enhanced prize money structure, with the winners of the CAF Champions League set to receive $6 million, while the CAF Confederation Cup champions will earn $4 million.

Nigeria will be represented by Rangers and Rivers United in the CAF Champions League after both clubs secured qualification through their performances in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

In the CAF Confederation Cup, Shooting Stars will fly the Nigerian flag alongside the winners of the 2026 President Federation Cup, completing the country's quartet of representatives in continental competition.

The Nigerian clubs will be aiming to make a strong impression and improve the country's standing in African club football when the new continental season gets underway.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to stop using the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, as their home ground for the remainder of the 2025/2026 season, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The decision was communicated to the Oluyole Warriors after a league assessment found that the playing surface at the stadium had deteriorated badly and no longer meets the minimum standard required for top-flight matches. The NPFL cited concerns over player safety and the overall quality of games played on the pitch.

As a result, Shooting Stars have been instructed to immediately make arrangements for an alternative home venue for their remaining league fixtures. The NPFL has proposed two options to the club: the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta or a suitable stadium in Lagos.

The ruling is expected to trigger urgent logistical adjustments for the Ibadan-based side as they seek a new base to complete the current NPFL campaign.

Enyimba FC produced a disciplined and clinical performance to defeat Shooting Stars Sports Club 3–0 at the Enyimba International Stadium, Aba, in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) 2025 encounter, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The People’s Elephant took control of the contest with a first-half breakthrough and showed defensive resilience before sealing the 3-0 victory with two well-taken goals late in the second half.

Chinedu Ufere, opened score on 17 minute when Samuel Nweke threaded a precise through ball into his path, as he made no mistake in an unmarked position, unleashing a powerful shot past Shooting Stars goalkeeper Ozovehe to give Enyimba the lead.

Shooting Stars attempted to respond, winning a series of free kicks and corners, but their efforts were either blocked by the Enyimba wall or wasted from promising positions.

The visitors were handed a golden opportunity to draw level four minutes after the restart when they were awarded a penalty. However, Gbolagade was denied by an excellent save from Anozie Henry, whose quick reactions preserved Enyimba’s lead.

Shooting Stars dominated possession for long spells in the second half, but Enyimba's substitutions midway through the half, introducing Eddidong Ezekiel, Henry Ndedi, and Christian Molokwu, proved decisive.

Against the run of play, Enyimba struck again in the 84th minute through a swift counterattack. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa released Eddidong Ezekiel, who beat his marker and calmly rounded the goalkeeper to double the home side’s advantage.

Deep into stoppage time, Enyimba capped a dominant finish with a third goal. Ezekiel turned provider this time, flicking the ball into the path of Chidera Michael, who tapped into an empty net to complete a convincing victory.

The win moves Enyimba FC to 8th position while 3SC drop 7th after 19 matches played.

Uche Dozie

Matchday 18 of the Nigeria Premier Football League delivered a blend of late drama, tight contests and statement victories as clubs battled for crucial points at both ends of the table, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

At Ilorin, Kwara United produced a solid second-half performance to secure a 2–0 win over Bayelsa United. Babatunde Bright broke the deadlock in the 54th minute before Ini Emmanuel sealed the victory 17 minutes later, strengthening the Harmony Boys’ home form.

There was nothing to separate Wikki Tourists and Kun Khalifat FC, who played out a goalless draw, with both sides cancelling each other out in a closely fought encounter.

In Enugu, Rangers International edged Ikorodu City FC 2–1 in a keenly contested match, maintaining their push for a strong finish in the second half of the season.

Godwin Obaje put the Flying Antelopes in front in the 35th minute before Chidiebere Nwobodo doubled the lead in the 76th minute

Rasheed Owolabi pulled one back for City at added time of the second half as the tie ended 2-1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

At the Lekan Salami Stadium, Shooting Stars (3SC) came from behind to defeat Niger Tornadoes 2–1.

Gbolagade Adelowo equalised from the penalty spot just before half-time, while Promise Awosanmi struck the winner in the 66th minute.

Tornadoes thought they had rescued a point when Kufre Ebong scored in added time, but the goal proved only a late consolation.

Kano Pillars thrilled their home fans with a 2–1 victory over Plateau United. After Wisdom Ndon had put the visitors ahead early, Mustapha Jibrin levelled on the stroke of half-time before captain Ahmed Musa completed the turnaround shortly after the restart.

One of the standout games of the weekend took place in Maiduguri, where El-Kanemi Warriors claimed a dramatic 3–2 win over Enyimba FC.

Daddy Abdulrahman opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 28th minute before Jonas Emmanuel doubled the hosts' lead on 36 minutes.

Mohammed Hussaini reduced the deficit for Enyimba on 43 minutes to give the People's Elephant a lifeline ahead of the second half.

However, Emmanuel increased the deficit with his second goal of the game on 54 minutes. Onyebuchi Nwaorisa, in the 76th minute, pulled one back, but it only proved a consolation for the visitors.

Late drama also unfolded in Umuahia as Abia Warriors snatched a 1–0 victory over Wolves FC. Sunday Megwo converted a penalty deep into stoppage time (90+6’) to hand the hosts all three points in the dying moments of the game.

Uche Dozie 

Newly promoted sides, Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat enjoined away victories whole Shooting Stars continued their fine form in the Nigeria Premier Football League match day 9 installments, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

It was sweet victory for Delta State side, Warri Wolves following their 1-2 win over multiple champions, Enyimba at the Enyimba Stadium.

Mohammed Hussaini 's own goal after 18 minutes broke the deadlock of the Seasiders before Edidiong Ezekiel brought the game to equilibrium.

Tejiri Emonena however score on 67 minutes to give the visitors a vital win over the league giants.

The Pride of Imo, Kun Khalifat smarting from a 1-0 win to Enyimba last week continued on a winning note to beat former FA Cup winners, Bayelsa United 1-2 at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenegao.

Uche Moses had put the visitors ahead nine minutes into the second half before Jawad Mustapha restored parity for the hosts on the 62nd minutes  from the spot.

With thirteen minutes left to the final whistle Olubode Hassan scored what proved to be the winner.

In Kano, it was another win for the newbies as Barau FC cake from behind to edge their senior brothers, Kano Pillars 2-1 in the Dabo derby at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

After captain Rabiu Aliyu had put Pillars ahead in the twentieth minute, but their was an impressive surge from the Ma Boys  Yahaya Ibrahim in the 50th minutes and Stanley Oganbor in the 76th minutes changed their fortunes.

Shooting Stars Sports Club continued their impressive form in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) with a dominant 2–0 victory over Abia Warriors at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, extending their unbeaten streak to five matches.

Goals from Ayobami Junior in the 20th minutes and an 86th minute strike from substitute Qamar Adegoke sealed the deal for the Oluyole Warriors.

Uche Dozie

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep concern following reports and viral videos showing fans invading the pitch after the Matchday 8 fixture between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars on Sunday evening, reports Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

In an official statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the league’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), the NPFL condemned the unruly scenes in strong terms, describing them as completely unacceptable in modern football.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans,” Owumi said.

He noted that the league body is currently awaiting official match reports and full video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Owumi assured that the NPFL is treating the situation with utmost seriousness and pledged that appropriate disciplinary actions would follow after a thorough review.

“This isolated incident is being handled with the gravity it deserves, and the necessary sanctions will be applied once the reports are reviewed,” the statement added.

The NPFL also confirmed that it has been in constant communication with the match officials and the Shooting Stars delegation to ensure their safety following the chaotic scenes.

Owumi reaffirmed the league’s commitment to upholding professionalism and maintaining a safe environment for all participants and supporters.

“We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country,” he concluded.

The league management’s swift response highlights its zero-tolerance policy toward crowd violence as it continues efforts to enhance the image and integrity of the NPFL.

The management of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) stated that it has monitored and noted with concern the disturbing reports and viral video clips from Sunday evening’s NPFL Matchday 8 between Kano Pillars and Shooting Stars, which indicated that fans invaded the pitch shortly after the final whistle.

The statement signed by Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, assured that while the league awaits the official match reports and complete video evidence from the Match Commissioner and Referees, "we condemn in the strongest terms any act of violence, intimidation, or misconduct directed at players, match officials, or fans".

The League is also assuring all stakeholders and football lovers that this isolated incident is being treated with utmost seriousness, and appropriate actions will follow upon review of the full reports.

He further stated that the NPFL has remained in touch with the Match Commissioner, the Referees, and officials of Shooting Stars, whose safety has been secured.

"We reaffirm our commitment to maintaining discipline, safety, and professionalism at all league venues across the country", Owumi concluded.

Reigning champions, Remo Stars, have gone top of the league, Rangers International and Kwara United recorded their win, as Plateau United continue to struggle, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports

The Sky Blue Stars ended the unbeaten run of Nigeria National League champions Warri Wolves after a 1-0 win at the MKO Abiola Sport Arena, Abeokuta, following Samson Olasupo's 77-minute goal.

Remo Stars now have seven points after three matches played and go top of the log with better goal difference than Wikki Tourist.

It was another unbeaten streak that ended as Niger Tornadoes defeated Bayelsa United 1-0 courtesy of Ismail Sarki's goal in 27 minutes of the game played at the Bako Kontagora Stadium, Minna.

Wikki Tourist remained unbeaten and stayed top of the log with a slim win over Abia Warriors courtesy of a goal by  Jonathan Mairiga in 77 minutes.

Rangers International recorded their first win of the season after beating struggling Plateau United 2-0 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.

Goals from Chidozie Iwundu on 45 minutes and Chidiebere Nwobodo on 80 minutes were enough to give the Flying Antelopes the win, leaving the Peace Boys winless since the start of the league.

Kwara United also celebrated their first win after defeating new boys, Kun Khalifat FC 2-0 at the Rashidi Yekini Mainbowl, George Inih Stadium, Ilorin.

Goals from Johnmark Shirsha on 24 minutes and Emeka Kingsley Obiorah on 81 minutes ensured maximum points for the Harmony Boys.

Multiple champions, Enyimba FC, played a disappointing goalless draw against Nasarawa United at home, while former champions, Rivers United and El Kanemi Warriors, encountered in Maiduguri ended goalless.

The topsy-turvy run of Shooting Stars Sports Club continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Ikorodu City at home in the South West derby clash on Sunday.

Sodiq Ibrahim found the net in the 9th minute to give the Oluyole Warriors an early lead, but they were pegged back after Shola Adelani, with a timely touch to bring the Oga Boys level at the stroke of half-time.

Uche Dozie

The Oluyole Warriors played a 1-1 draw against the Benin Arsenals at the Sam Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, after a matchday 1 loss against Bayelsa United in Ibadan.

It took the visiting side five minutes into the action to break the deadlock after Ayodele Ismail put 3SC ahead. He stole in behind his marker to pass the ball beyond Insurance goalkeeper Baba.

The home side were back in the game a few minutes later when Alex Oweilayefa headed past 3SC goalkeeper Mustapha Lawal on 12 minutes to level the score.

The first half ended 1-1 with both sides going at each other at intervals for the edge.

The end-to-end continued in the second half, but it was the home side that almost got the win in the 89th minute as Mustapha Lawal made a crucial save to keep the score level till full time.

Uche Dozie

New comers Barau FC and Kun Khalifat FC started their debut season of the Nigeria Premier Football League with a draw against former champions Enyimba FC and Rangers International while Bayelsa United secured away points against Shooting Stars Sports Club, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

In Kano, Barau FC held nine-time champions, Enyimba 0-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium while Kun Khalifat FC held seven-time champions, Rangers International to a goalless draw at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in the oriental derby.

In an end to end encounter, the Maliya Boys held their own against the Aba giants causing problems while going forward and defending resolutely to keep Enyimba at bay.

The momentum achieved in the second half saw the visitors reduced to a man after Mujeeb Odufeso's reckless tackle on 87 minutes as Enyimba survived last minutes scare to get the draw.

Kehinde Malik got on the end of the corner kick crossed in by Nneoyi Ofem in the 30th minutes to give Bayelsa United a slim win over Shooting Stars Sports Club in Ibadan.

Another away win was recorded at Muhammadu Dikko Stadium as Warri Wolves defeated Katsina United 0-1 courtesy of a 76th minutes goal by Igbunu Evwierhurhona.

Uche Dozie

Aweroro, who leaves Ikorodu City on mutual consent, joins the Oluyole Warriors after a successful season, finishing fourth in the league and last four in the President's Federation Cup.

He is a CAF-licensed tactician with experience from Remo Stars, MFM FC, and Ikorodu City.

He replaces Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, who was sacked after the conclusion of the 2024/2025 season.

Uche Dozie

https://twitter.com/ShootingSc/status/1949168767000531147?t=ENVZWXF7KvcdEP3C1cxFIw&s=19

His announcement comes as the Ibadan-based club continues its rebuilding process following the appointment of a former Ikorodu City Coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, as the new Technical Adviser.

Adepoju, who announced his resignation as the director of Ikorodu City Football Club on Friday, was appointed on Saturday.

He returns home to his state club to bring back the glory of the club ahead of the new NPFL season.

Uche Dozie 

Power Dynamos in Zambia have signed Nigerian centre-back Samuel Ayodeji Bamidele from Shooting Stars SC, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

Bamidele, a free agent after leaving Shooting Stars at the end of the Nigeria Premier Football League season joins on a two-year deal.

The 26-year-old who was also on the radar of NPFL champions, Remo Stars had been in contract talks with the Zambian champions since June.

The former Kwara United defender was nearing a move to ZESCO United in the Zambian Premier League, with talks at an advanced stage but the deal fell through.

He joins other signings for Dynamos like Moses Shumah; A striker from Kakamega Homeboyz in Kenya, Innocent Kashita; an attacking midfielder from Nkwazi FC and Daniel Adoko; A midfielder from NAPSA Stars.

Uche Dozie

Multiple reports suggest the board led by Mr. Olaniyan Akoro will no longer continue and will be replaced by Honourable Taiwo Lekan Salami as the club's new Chairman ahead of the new season.

Shooting Stars endured a tough 2024/25 season, slumping from a 2nd-placed league standing in January to finishing the season 8th.

The club was also disqualified from the President's Federations Cup due to fielding an ineligible player.

No official communication from the state house or a reason for that dissolution.

Uche Dozie

Remo Stars made a bold step to clinching their first Nigeria Premier Football League title with a rare away win in Ibadan on Sunday when they played Shooting Stars Sports, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.

The match day 34 encounter saw the Oluyole Warriors fall to a 0-1 loss to the Sky Blue Stars, extending the winless streak of the host to four matches.

After 30 minutes of action where the two sides looked to find their rhythm, it was the Ikenne-based club that drew the first blood.

Sodiq Ismail's cross was well headed into the net by Alex Oyowah after half an hour played at the Lekan Salami Stadium.

Oyowah could have gotten a second 13 minutes later after hitting a low shot, but his effort was saved by goalkeeper Abiodun Akande to keep the score 0-1 at halftime.

It was an end-to-end affair in the second 45 with the hosts pushing for an equaliser while the visitors searched for a goal to consolidate the tie.

Sikiru Alimi twice came close to doubling the lead after 75 minutes, but got his efforts saved by Akande.

With 5 minutes remaining to the end of the game, Obassa Adebiyi had to get to a deflected cross to keep the scoreline the same.

The Sky Blue Stars remained strong for the maximum points in Ibadan to remain top of the league standings with 65 points.

Uche Dozie