By Isaac Zaza
Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan may be one of Nigeria’s most historic football institutions, but the 2025/2026 NPFL season has started on a frustrating note for the Oluyole Warriors. A home defeat to Bayelsa United and a stumble against Ikorodu City have left supporters questioning whether the club’s sweeping changes—on and off the pitch—are paying off. From a new coach in Nurudeen Aweroro to boardroom and media reshuffles, 3SC are in transition, and early results suggest the road to stability will not be smooth.
A Major Restructure Always Comes at a Cost
Shooting Stars entered the season undergoing a comprehensive overhaul—new coaching staff, fresh players, and structural changes across the club . Such sweeping transformation inevitably disrupts team chemistry and performance, especially early on. It takes time for new systems, relationships, and strategies to gel—and fans must be patient as the club rebuilds its foundation.
Embracing a Risky New Coach: Nurudeen Aweroro
The appointment of Nurudeen Aweroro—transplanted from Ikorodu City FC—offers promise but comes with growing pains. At Ikorodu, he built a high-pressing, expansive, possession-based team, earning a reputation as one of NPFL’s most innovative young tacticians .
While his philosophy aligns with ambitious goals, implementing such an intense, demanding system with new players under NPFL pressure won’t be seamless. The side must adapt to pressing rigor, midfield fluidity, and positional discipline—all of which take time to internalize, especially at a club hungry for instant results. Derbies like the one against Ikorodu City further heighten the margin for error .
Early Results: Stumbles at Home
The season has opened on a rocky note. 3SC lost their opener to Bayelsa United, 1–0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, conceding to a well-executed header from Kehinde Lawal . In Matchday 3, they were held 1–1 by Ikorodu City back home after taking the lead—a sign that while chances are being created, tactical cohesion is still lacking .
Media Turmoil Rattling the Camp
Adding off-field anxiety, 3SC is amid a media standoff with broadcasters—possibly linked to the controversial sacking of the club’s former media handler and the appointment of Ibrahim Akindele (“Kindee”) as Media Lead (In my opinion) . Inter-club media war distractions can undermine morale, disrupt messaging, and amplify pressure on players and staff at a fragile time.
Team Selection Headache
In their first home match (against Bayelsa United), tactical mishaps forced early adjustments—changes made during the first half point to an unsettled lineup and perhaps confusion over roles. These are expected when new coaching systems are being trialed under match conditions, but they also underscore the challenge of alignment and clarity in personnel decisions.
Bright Spots: Commercial Momentum
Amid sporting uncertainty, 3SC’s financials are impressive:
Jersey sales are strong, with kits priced at around ₦25,000 each.
The season ticket initiative is gaining traction.
Most notably, their recent game against Ikorodu City reportedly generated ₦6,627,500 in match-day ticket revenue—selling 171 VVIP, 1,097 VIP, and 7,157 regular tickets. That’s a huge return for a single fixture—and hints at a sustainable revenue stream for the season.
Such financial stability offers respite: with solid funding, the club can invest in player support, training infrastructure, and patience without panic.
The Path Forward: Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day
The adage fits perfectly here—strong foundations take time to lay. Here’s what could help 3SC turn things around:
1. Tactical Consistency: With more games, players learn to adapt to Aweroro’s system—press triggers, rotational midfield, expansive wing play.
2. Squad Clarity: Establishing preferred XI and roles reduces chaos in selection and stabilizes on-field performance.
3. Communication Overhaul: Mending the media rifts frees the club to present a united front and focus on footballing matters.
4. Fan Engagement: Continued match-day revenue and vibrant support at Lekan Salami Stadium (capacity 10,000) sustain morale and home advantage .
Early hiccups are par for the course in transition periods. But with financial health, an innovative coach, and an engaged fanbase, Shooting Stars have the potential to rise—if stakeholders remain patient and strategic.
Before establishing his independent media outfit, Isaac built a solid reputation as a prolific digital content creator and sports writer. He previously served as a verified contributing author for prominent news aggregators and sports publications, including **Opera News**, **Scooper News**, and **Futball Naija**. Through these platforms, he honed his expertise in analyzing sports trends, breaking football news, and engaging millions of digital readers across Nigeria.
Combining his editorial background with technical expertise, Isaac is also an accomplished website builder, designing and managing digital infrastructures that optimize user experience and content delivery.
Known widely and highly influential across social media platforms—particularly on Facebook under his brand name **Isaac Zaza**—he leverages his vibrant online presence to connect fans with the latest happening in the sporting world. As a media professional, Isaac continues to drive innovation at the intersection of sports journalism and digital technology.
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