Ibadan football fans will have to travel outside their city to watch Shooting Stars Sports Club’s (3SC) Confederation Cup games because the Adamasingba Stadium is not among the three Nigerian stadiums approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for international matches, the club have explained.
 
Speaking on preparations for the Confederation Cup in Ibadan yesterday, the club’s chairman,
Lekan Salami, said that CAF’s decision on Nigerian stadiums has forced the four qualified Nigerian clubs to select from the available venues.
 
He said that the former Nigerian champions will play their home games at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, which is one of the facilities accredited by CAF for continental games. He added: “We had no choice but to pick from the available options,” he explained.
  
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, the club have unveiled several 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.
 
Salami said that the current initiatives were aimed at strengthening the team both on and off the pitch as they target 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 added.

The Oluyole Warriors are scheduled to begin their NPFL campaign tomorrow 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, while confirming the appointment of Yusuf, an experienced tactician, 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.