Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan has unveiled a number of new partnerships and announced the appointment of coach Salisu Yusuf ahead of 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 Oluyole Warriors chairman, Mr. Taiwo 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 2025/26 highly competitive NPFL last season, in which the team earned qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup, a feat that has eluded the club for over two decades.
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 cooking something special, and we would serve the fans the delicacy starting from this Friday against Inter Lagos. We have got a new coach, and new players are coming in.
“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.
“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,” Salami said.
3SC are scheduled to begin their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Tunisian club CS Sfaxien, 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.
Shooting Stars further disclosed that it had strengthened its squad during the off-season, with significant recruitment efforts made to build a team capable of competing successfully in the NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup.
Salami expressed optimism that the combination of improved technical leadership, quality recruitment, and stronger commercial partnerships would help the club achieve its ambitions in the new season.
“We have made deliberate efforts to assemble a squad that can compete at the highest level. We are not making empty promises, but we are confident that the foundation we have laid will produce positive results,” he said.
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