Nigerian Football
Legacy Renewed: Taiwo Lekan-Salami Charts Bold Path for Shooting Stars Revival
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
A new chapter may be unfolding for the once-glorious Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan, as Taiwo Lekan-Salami—son of the legendary football administrator, Chief Lekan Salami—steps into the role of chairman with bold plans to restore the club’s lost prestige.
For many fans and historians of Nigerian football, the name Lekan Salami evokes memories of an era when Shooting Stars dominated the local and continental football scene. Under the stewardship of the late Chief Salami, 3SC achieved iconic status, notably becoming the first Nigerian club to win a continental title with their 1976 African Cup Winners’ Cup triumph.
Despite being in the opposition party, the NPN, in a UPN-controlled Oyo State, Chief Lekan Salami, for his astuteness, was still offered the leadership role of Shooting Stars, which he guided to the National League title in 1983.
At its zenith, the club was either a continental title winner or contender. Apart from being the cup holders of the then African Winners Cup in 1976, they were runners-up in 1977, as well as being title contenders in 1984 and 1996 in the old-style CAF Champions League.
The Shooting Stars were the inaugural winners of the now defunct CAF Cup in 1992.
Shooting Stars’ last national title was the league crown of 1998. They had the unenviable record of being the first Nigerian champions to the relegated the following season.
Ever since, the club has often been recalled for its tribulations rather than for glory. Last season offered a glimmer of hope, which soon faded, and Shooting Stars, from being top-three contenders, swam downstream into the middle of the league table.
Decades after the era of the legendary football administrator, another Lekan Salami is on the saddle. Is he a chip off the old block?
This is what Taiwo Lekan-Salami will have to prove as he is poised to revive that golden legacy.
Following in the footsteps of his father and his older brother Yomi Salami, who also chaired the club in years past, Taiwo is bringing a fresh vision laced with family tradition and modern ambition. During his first official interaction with the team on Sunday, he laid out a roadmap that, if realised, could herald a transformative era for Nigeria’s oldest football club in the top flight.
According to the club’s media officer, Tosin Omojola, the new chairman has outlined a series of initiatives, chief among them the establishment of a permanent club complex. This proposed facility would include a players’ hostel, a standard training pitch, a gym, coaches’ quarters, a lounge, and a restaurant.
“I have lots of lofty plans for this club,” Taiwo said in his address to the players. “We will build a permanent site for Shooting Stars before the end of this administration. We will have a hostel so that all of you will be together.”
To bring the dream to life, Salami revealed he has approached Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for land to host the project and is simultaneously courting sponsors to support the venture.
“I’ve told the governor to give me land. If the government doesn’t have money to build it, no problem—just give me the land,” he explained. “I’m already talking to sponsors to come and invest in Shooting Stars. We’ll offer them branding rights on our jerseys, pitch panels, and buses. Those conversations are ongoing.”
But beyond infrastructure, Taiwo Lekan-Salami emphasized performance. He made it clear that the realization of these ambitions hinges on results on the pitch.
“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he told the players. “If a man has such a vision, what can you do to support him? Just go out there and get good results. Do your best to get the job done.”
The players, for their part, responded with gratitude and a pledge of commitment. Speaking on their behalf, experienced left-back Ikouwem Utin thanked the chairman for his clear dedication to their welfare.
“We truly appreciate your vision and support,” Utin said. “We promise to give our best and make your dream for this club come true with the results you deserve.”
As the club prepares for a new season, fans of the Ibadan-based giants will be watching closely. With a name that evokes nostalgia and ambition that inspires hope, Taiwo Lekan-Salami’s tenure could very well be the spark that reignites the Shooting Stars’ flame—one that once lit up African football and could soon shine again.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Rivers United head coach and technical manager, Finidi George, has praised young defender Ochiobi Elias following his outstanding performance in the club’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes in a rescheduled Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) fixture on Wednesday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt.
The left-back, who played the full 90 minutes, was instrumental in helping Rivers United maintain a clean sheet, marking one of his most confident outings since his promotion to the senior squad.
Finidi, visibly impressed after the match, revealed that his decision to give Elias a full game was driven by trust in the player’s potential, despite his limited minutes earlier in the season.
“I think he did well. Normally, we should have been bringing him in gradually — maybe 15 minutes before giving him a 90-minute match,” Finidi said. “But I trust him, and I’ve spoken to him. He should be relaxed, calm down, and play his football.”
The coach also highlighted a near-miss moment when Elias came close to scoring late in the game, a chance Finidi felt could have crowned his stellar performance.
“I think today he would have scored a goal at the last moment, but he still wanted to square the ball, look for somebody,” Finidi added. “I’m quite happy with his performance, and we will keep encouraging him to do better. I am very, very pleased.”
Elias, a product of the Rivers United youth team that won the NPFL Youth League in 2024, has been gradually integrated into the first team under Finidi’s guidance. His performance on Wednesday is seen as a major step forward in his development and a sign of his growing confidence.
The youngster is now expected to retain his place in the squad as Rivers United travel to Aba this Sunday for a crucial NPFL clash against Enyimba.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Strategic partners of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on the President Federation Cup, GTI Group, have congratulated the football governing body on the successful hosting of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held last weekend in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a press statement issued on Friday in Lagos, GTI’s Head of Media and Publicity, Andrew Ekejiuba, lauded the NFF Board under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau for the smooth conduct of the AGM and the significant progress made in Nigerian football development.
According to Ekejiuba, the Ibadan meeting reflected Gusau’s commitment to engaging stakeholders and strengthening unity across the football ecosystem.
“GTI Group congratulates the Nigeria Football Federation on the successful outcome of its Annual General Meeting held in Ibadan, which the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, used the occasion to demonstrate his commitment to engaging positively with football stakeholders, including state football associations, clubs and fans,” he said.
“His interactions with the various groups at the AGM showcased his impactful leadership and dedication to promoting Nigerian football and fostering a collaborative environment.”
Ekejiuba also highlighted the Super Falcons’ recent achievements and the growth of domestic competitions, particularly the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), as key milestones recorded under Gusau’s leadership. GTI serves as a strategic partner of the NPFL, supporting its structural and commercial transformation.
The statement further expressed appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde and the people of Oyo State for their hospitality and support during the AGM. Ekejiuba noted the governor’s commendation of the improved standard of refereeing in the NPFL under the administration of Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye.
However, GTI also used the opportunity to express disappointment over the early exit of Kwara United and Abia Warriors from the CAF Confederation Cup, urging Nigerian clubs to raise their competitive standards on the continental stage.
“It is unfortunate that both Kwara United and Abia Warriors crashed out at the preliminary phase of the CAF Confederation Cup last weekend. This clearly shows that Nigerian clubs must raise their game in order to compete favourably,” the statement read.
“The future remains bright, but that is why GTI has been calling on Corporate Nigeria to invest more in our football, just as is done in thriving leagues across the world.”
Ekejiuba also extended words of encouragement to Remo Stars and Rivers United, who are still flying Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Champions League.
“We encourage them to dig deep and remain focused to ensure successful campaigns. They should give Nigerian football fans something to cheer this season because we understand how demanding continental competitions can be,” he concluded.
GTI Group reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with the NFF to advance football development, promote professionalism, and attract sustainable investment into the Nigerian game.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has queried Warri Wolves following reports of the suspension of their head coach, Aluma Napoleon, faulting the club’s failure to comply with established procedures for contracting and registering technical officials.
In a letter titled “Notarization and Registration of Contracts” and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league body directed the Delta-based club to regularize all contractual documentation with its technical and management staff in line with NPFL regulations.
The NPFL’s letter stated:
“Information reaching us from the media space suggests that the Delta State Sports Commission has suspended your head coach, Mr. Aluma Napoleon, with immediate effect.”
Citing Sections B, Articles 6 and 11 of the NPFL 2025/26 Framework and Rules, the league reminded Warri Wolves that all clubs are required to submit notarized contracts of their officials for registration and record purposes.
“You are, however, in breach of these sections as Warri Wolves FC have not submitted the contracts of its officials to the League Board. You are hereby requested, within twenty-four hours of receiving this letter, to submit all relevant contracts of your technical team, including that of the assumed suspended head coach, Mr. Napoleon Aluma, to the NPFL Secretariat,” the letter warned.
The NPFL further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to sanctions, including restricting Warri Wolves’ technical crew from accessing the bench in subsequent league matches.
“Note that failure to comply with this instruction will lead to the restriction of your technical team from accessing the technical area in future NPFL matches,” the league stated.
In a related statement to NPFL Media, COO Davidson Owumi stressed that the Warri Wolves case was not isolated, adding that all clubs yet to register the contracts of their technical officials must do so without delay.
“I must admonish all coaches to get hold of their contracts and lodge a report with the NPFL when there is a violation of the terms. It is the responsibility of the aggrieved to petition the league at all times,” Owumi emphasized.
The NPFL has been tightening administrative controls in recent seasons to ensure transparency, professionalism, and adherence to contractual obligations across all participating clubs.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup1 week ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- U20 FOOTBALL23 hours ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina
- World Cup5 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- World Cup6 days ago
Osimhen Returns as Chelle Names 23-Man Squad for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers