RESTORING THE PRIDE OF THE OLUYỌLE WARRIORS: A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE AND RENEWED COMMITMENT FOLLOWING OUR RETURN TO CONTINENTAL FOOTBALL

Dear Esteemed Supporters, Stakeholders, Partners and the Good People of Oyo State,

It is with profound gratitude, immense pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I address you today following the successful conclusion of the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League season, a campaign that has culminated in Shooting Stars Sports Club securing a coveted continental ticket and finishing among the league’s top three teams.

This achievement is particularly significant because it marks the club’s return to continental football after an absence of twenty-seven years. For a club with the rich heritage, illustrious history and immense stature of Shooting Stars Sports Club, this accomplishment represents far more than a qualification ticket, it is a statement of resurgence, a restoration of belief and a reaffirmation of our collective determination to return this great institution to its rightful place in African football.

When I was graciously appointed Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club on July 5, 2025, by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, I understood the enormity of the task before us. The club had experienced years of inconsistency and had fallen short of the lofty expectations of its supporters and stakeholders.

Upon assumption of office, I unveiled a clear and deliberate agenda built around three cardinal pillars: Re-engineering, Restructuring and Repositioning the club.

These were not merely slogans. They were strategic commitments designed to transform Shooting Stars into a professionally managed, competitively successful and sustainably run football institution.

Guided by this vision, we immediately embarked on critical reforms aimed at strengthening the club’s operational and technical foundations. We introduced a more efficient administrative structure by separating key responsibilities to ensure greater effectiveness and accountability.

The office previously occupied by a single General Manager was strategically restructured to create the positions of Chief Operating Officer and Sporting Director. While the Chief Operating Officer was tasked with overseeing the club’s administrative, commercial and operational activities, the Sporting Director assumed responsibility for all technical and football-related matters. We also strengthened our communications architecture by appointing a dedicated Media Lead to enhance the club’s online visibility and engagement as well as strategic communication under the supervision of the COO.

One of the most significant decisions taken under our transformation agenda was the recruitment of an entirely new and professionally structured technical team led by Head Coach, Mr. Idowu Aweroro. Determined to align Shooting Stars with contemporary football standards, we assembled a multidisciplinary technical unit comprising specialists in areas that had historically received limited attention within the club. This team included a Performance Analyst, Sports Psychologist, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and other experienced professionals whose collective expertise and the dependable supervision of the Sporting Director introduced a more scientific, data-driven and holistic approach to football development. The impact of this initiative was evident throughout the season, as improved player welfare, physical conditioning, tactical organisation, mental resilience and performance management contributed significantly to the club’s return to the top tier of Nigerian football and its qualification for continental competition.

These reforms were implemented with one objective in mind to build a modern football club capable of competing successfully both on and off the pitch.

Today, the results speak for themselves.

However, this achievement is not the triumph of one individual. It is the product of collective sacrifice, dedication and unwavering commitment by numerous stakeholders.

First and foremost, I wish to express my deepest appreciation to His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, whose visionary leadership, unwavering support and commitment to sports development in Oyo State continues to inspire excellence. His confidence in our leadership team provided the platform upon which this transformation has been built.

I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government and people of Oyo State for their continued support and belief in the club’s vision.

To the management team, I commend your professionalism, resilience and tireless efforts throughout the season. Your commitment to excellence has been instrumental to the progress we have recorded.

To our Sporting Director, technical crew, coaching staff and backroom personnel, thank you for your dedication, discipline and unwavering pursuit of success. Your expertise and hard work have translated our vision into tangible results on the pitch.

To our players, the true ambassadors of this great club, thank you for your commitment, courage and determination. You have worn the famous blue and white colours with pride and honour and your efforts have brought joy to millions of supporters around the world.

To our partners, sponsors and well-wishers, your support has been invaluable. Every contribution, encouragement and gesture of goodwill has played a role in this remarkable journey.

I also extend my appreciation to the media community for their support and professionalism throughout the season. Your coverage and commitment to telling our story have played an important role in our journey and we thank you for your contribution to this remarkable achievement.

Most importantly, I wish to pay special tribute to the incredible supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club. Across Ibadan, throughout Oyo State, across Nigeria and in various parts of the world, your loyalty has remained unwavering through difficult seasons and challenging moments. You continued to believe when many doubted. You stood by the club through periods of disappointment and uncertainty. You filled the stands, travelled long distances, sang passionately and carried the hopes of this great institution wherever the team played.

Without doubt, Shooting Stars possesses one of the most passionate, loyal and vibrant supporter bases in Nigerian football and this is evidenced by the NPFL award in this direction. This achievement belongs as much to you as it does to anyone else.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we must also recognise that our work is far from complete.

Qualification for continental football is not the destination; it is only the beginning of a new chapter. The responsibility before us is now even greater. We must continue to strengthen our structures, deepen professionalism, improve our competitiveness and build a club that can consistently challenge for domestic honours while representing Nigeria proudly on the continental stage.

The journey of rebuilding a football institution is not completed in one season. Nevertheless, the progress we have recorded within a relatively short period provides evidence that we are moving in the right direction.

As we prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead, I assure all stakeholders that our commitment to the vision of re-engineering, restructuring and repositioning Shooting Stars Sports Club remains unwavering.

Together, we have restored hope.

Together, we have rekindled belief.

Together, we have taken a significant step towards reclaiming the glory that has always defined Shooting Stars Sports Club.

As we celebrate this milestone, preparations are already underway for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. In the days and weeks ahead, the club will communicate details of its strategic plans and preparations for continental football and the forthcoming season. These updates will outline the next phase of our transformation agenda as we continue to build a stronger, more competitive and more sustainable Shooting Stars Sports Club capable of competing successfully at both domestic and continental levels.

Let us remain united, focused and committed as we continue this exciting journey.

May the future bring even greater success to our beloved club.

Thank you and God bless.

Up Shooting! Up Stars

Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami
Executive Chairman