3SC react to NPFL’s order to take vacate Lekan Salami Stadium

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The management of Shooting Stars Sports Club has reacted to order by the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) that the Ibadan home ground of the club, the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba is no longer suitable to host matches following recent broadcast and television rights acquired for the league.

The NPFL had in a letter to Shooting Stars SC asked the club to choose between Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, Ogun State or the Mobolaji Johnson Stadium, Lagos for the hosting of their home matches.

But in reaction to the directive, the management of the Ibadan premier league side assured supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that it is addressing concerns surrounding the playing surface at Lekan Salami Stadium with utmost seriousness.

It added that it has implemented deliberate measures to improve the quality of the turf, including intensified pitch maintenance, grass treatment, levelling, and regular watering in the past few weeks.

“It is important to note that the current dry season and harsh weather conditions have significantly affected the playing surface, a challenge we have been actively managing.

“Despite these conditions, work on the pitch has been ongoing to ensure steady improvement and long-term sustainability”

“Shooting Stars SC remain fully committed to providing a safe, professional, and broadcast-friendly playing environment that reflects the club’s history and status in Nigerian football,” the management of the Club said.

But the Shooting Stars Sports Club management added that “it will continue to engage constructively with the League while prioritising lasting solutions that will allow our supporters to enjoy home fixtures in Ibadan under acceptable conditions.”

“We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of the Oluyole faithful as we work diligently to resolve this matter.”

However, the management did not indicate if it will comply with the NPFL order to pick an alternative ground for the clubs home matches.

See the full statement below

The Shooting Stars Sports Club has received official communication from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) regarding the suitability of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, to host NPFL fixtures following recent broadcast and television rights.

The club wishes to assure our supporters, stakeholders, and the general public that concerns surrounding the playing surface are being addressed with utmost seriousness. In recent weeks, deliberate measures have already been implemented to improve the quality of the turf, including intensified pitch maintenance, grass treatment, levelling, and regular watering.

It is important to note that the current dry season and harsh weather conditions have significantly affected the playing surface, a challenge we have been actively managing. Despite these conditions, work on the pitch has been ongoing to ensure steady improvement and long-term sustainability.

Shooting Stars SC remains fully committed to providing a safe, professional, and broadcast-friendly playing environment that reflects the club’s history and status in Nigerian football.

In line with the NPFL directive, the club will continue to engage constructively with the League while prioritising lasting solutions that will allow our supporters to enjoy home fixtures in Ibadan under acceptable conditions.

We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of the Oluyole faithful as we work diligently to resolve this matter.