NPFL: Shooting Stars dismiss rumors of relocation from Ibadan following pitch concerns

The management of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has dismissed speculation that the league body plans to relocate the club from Ibadan due to concerns over the condition of the Lekan Salami Stadium pitch.

​The NPFL board formally communicated these concerns in a letter signed by Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, who expressed dissatisfaction with the turf’s current state.

 

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​However, the chairman of the Oluyole Warriors, Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami, assured supporters that 3SC will continue to play in Ibadan. He stressed that the club has taken proactive steps to assist the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports and the State Sports Council in putting the pitch in order.

​According to the Chairman, the focus has been on addressing key challenges, specifically the inadequate water supply required for proper maintenance.

“We do not have a home match for about two weeks, and all other activities at the stadium have been suspended. This gives us enough time to restore the pitch to a lush green condition.

The major challenge has been water supply, and we have stepped in to complement the efforts of the agencies in charge.”

He added that the joint intervention aims not only at immediate repairs but also at ensuring sustainable maintenance in line with league requirements.

​Previously, due to the poor state of the Lekan Salami Stadium, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) requested a venue change from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their 2026 Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

Club leadership reassures supporters

However, the chairman of the Oluyole Warriors, Taiwo Lekan Salami, has moved swiftly to calm nerves, assuring fans that Shooting Stars will continue to play their home matches in Ibadan. He emphasized that there has been no directive from the NPFL to relocate the club and described the reports as speculative.

According to the chairman, the club has already taken proactive and practical steps to address the concerns raised by the league body. These efforts are being carried out in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Oyo State Sports Council, both of which oversee the stadium’s maintenance.

Addressing the pitch challenges

Hon. Salami explained that the main issue affecting the pitch has been an inadequate water supply, which is critical for maintaining a healthy and durable playing surface. He revealed that the club has stepped in to complement the efforts of government agencies responsible for the stadium.

“We do not have a home match for about two weeks, and all other activities at the stadium have been suspended. This gives us enough time to restore the pitch to a lush green condition,” the chairman said.
“The major challenge has been water supply, and we have stepped in to complement the efforts of the agencies in charge.”

This break in fixtures, he noted, provides a valuable window to carry out intensive pitch rehabilitation without pressure from matchday schedules.

Sustainable maintenance plan

Beyond immediate repairs, Shooting Stars’ management says the intervention is aimed at long-term sustainability. The joint effort with state authorities is designed to ensure that the pitch not only meets NPFL standards now but remains in good condition throughout the season.

Club officials believe that investing in proper irrigation and maintenance systems will prevent a recurrence of the issues that prompted the league’s concerns in the first place. This approach aligns with NPFL’s broader push to improve stadium infrastructure and playing conditions across the country.

Background to the concerns

The Lekan Salami Stadium has faced scrutiny in recent months, not only at club level but also on the international stage. Due to the poor condition of the pitch, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was previously forced to request a venue change from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifier against Senegal.

That decision highlighted the broader challenges facing stadium infrastructure in Nigeria and underscored the importance of consistent maintenance to meet both domestic and continental standards.

Commitment to Ibadan remains firm

For Shooting Stars, remaining in Ibadan is not just a logistical issue but a matter of identity. The club enjoys strong support from fans in Oyo State, and the Lekan Salami Stadium remains a historic home for the Oluyole Warriors. Management insists that relocation is not being considered and that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard the club’s status in the city.

As restoration work continues, supporters will be watching closely, hopeful that the improved pitch will satisfy NPFL requirements and allow Shooting Stars to focus fully on their campaign. For now, the message from the club is clear: Ibadan remains home, and efforts are firmly underway to ensure the Lekan Salami Stadium is fit for top-flight football once again.