The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, has expressed gratitude to stakeholders following the club’s successful qualification for continental football after a 27-year absence, describing the achievement as a major milestone in the ongoing revival of the Ibadan-based club.

In a statement issued after the conclusion of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season, Lekan-Salami said the club’s top-three finish and return to continental competition signaled a resurgence of one of Nigeria’s most historic football institutions.
According to him, the qualification represents more than a ticket to African club football, noting that it reflects renewed belief, determination and progress in efforts to restore the club’s lost glory.

The chairman recalled that upon his appointment by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 5, 2025, his administration introduced a transformation agenda anchored on three pillars — re-engineering, restructuring and repositioning the club.
He explained that the reforms were aimed at building a professionally managed, competitive and sustainable football institution capable of succeeding both on and off the pitch.

As part of the restructuring process, the club reorganised its administrative framework by separating the responsibilities previously handled by a General Manager into the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Sporting Director. A dedicated Media Lead was also appointed to strengthen communication, visibility and stakeholder engagement.

Lekan-Salami highlighted the recruitment of a new technical team led by Head Coach Idowu Aweroro as one of the administration’s most significant decisions. The team included specialists such as a Performance Analyst, Sports Psychologist and Strength and Conditioning Coach, bringing a more scientific and data-driven approach to player development and team management.

He noted that the impact of the reforms was evident throughout the season, with improvements in player welfare, fitness, tactical organisation, mental resilience and overall performance contributing significantly to the club’s successful campaign.

The chairman attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of the Oyo State Government, management team, technical crew, players, sponsors, partners, media organisations and supporters.
He particularly commended Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to sports development in the state, describing his leadership as instrumental to the club’s progress.

Lekan-Salami also praised the club’s supporters for their unwavering loyalty and commitment during difficult periods, noting that their passion and presence at matches played a vital role in the team’s success.
While celebrating the achievement, he stressed that continental qualification was only the beginning of a new phase for the club.

He said the management remains committed to strengthening institutional structures, enhancing professionalism and improving competitiveness in order to consistently challenge for honours domestically and on the continental stage.

The chairman assured stakeholders that preparations for continental football and the upcoming season had already commenced, adding that details of the club’s strategic plans would be unveiled in the coming weeks.
He reaffirmed the club’s commitment to its transformation agenda and called for continued unity and support as Shooting Stars seeks to consolidate its progress and reclaim its place among Africa’s leading football clubs.

Shooting Stars, popularly known as the Oluyole Warriors, will now prepare for their first continental campaign in nearly three decades following a memorable 2025/2026 NPFL season.