After more than two decades of absence, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will return to continental football when they host CS Sfaxien of Tunisia at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, in a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary fixture.
The Oluyole Warriors last played on the continent on November 7, 1999, when they drew 2-2 with Accra Hearts of Oak in the final group match of the CAF Champions League at the Liberty, now Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
Unlike in the past, 3SC will play their home fixture away from Ibadan, as their traditional home ground, the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, could not meet CAF standards, prompting the relocation of the match to Abeokuta.
The Oluyole Warriors, under new technical adviser Salisu Yusuf, are battle-ready for the clash with the North Africans.
After a number of pre-season games, 3SC began the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season with a 2-1 victory over visiting Inter Lagos, with the game serving as their final preparation for tomorrow’s continental fixture in the Rock City.
Given their tradition and pedigree, the Oluyole Warriors will be hoping to overcome CS Sfaxien, although the margin of victory could prove crucial in the two-legged tie.
Yusuf faces the task of ensuring his players gain confidence by securing a convincing home victory before the return leg in Tunis.
With the likes of Lucky Emmanuel, Gbolagade Adelowo, Sodiq Ibrahim and Mustapha Adams in their ranks, the Oluyole Warriors will be determined to avoid defeat regardless of the Tunisians’ firepower.
“I was attracted to the challenge of being on the continent and the club’s ambition to win the league. It’s a good environment for me. The set goals will drive me to get better results.
“I’m here to take care of business and be better than last season. Looking at the three competitions [league, CAF Confederation Cup and Federation Cup] we will be participating in, we are going to be one of the serious contenders,” Yusuf, a former assistant coach of the Super Eagles, said.
Credit: sportingtribune.com
