Shooting Stars Sports Club have issued an official response following a letter from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on the suitability of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, to host NPFL fixtures under recent broadcast and television requirements.
The NPFL, in a letter signed by its Chief Operating Officer, informed the club that the Lekan Salami Stadium was no longer suitable to host league matches.
We bring you compliments of the Board, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Premier Football League. We wish to inform you that subsequent to the broadcast and television rights entered into by the Nigeria Premier Football League recently, it has become necessary to inform you that the Lekan Salami Stadium is no more suitable to host NPFL matches,” the NPFL letter read.
The League further directed Shooting Stars to select an alternative venue for their home fixtures.
You are required to choose an alternative venue between the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos to host your home fixtures. Your reply should reach the NPFL Secretariat on or before the close of business on Monday, 2nd February 2026, or the NPFL will be forced to allocate a venue for you,” the letter added.
Reacting to the NPFL directive, Shooting Stars confirmed receipt of the communication and reassured supporters, stakeholders and the general public that concerns surrounding the playing surface are being addressed with urgency.
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.”
The club also acknowledged the impact of prevailing weather conditions on the pitch.
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.”
Reaffirming its standards and long-term commitment, the statement added:
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.”
The condition of the Lekan Salami Stadium pitch recently drew attention after Nigeria’s Falconets first-leg match against Senegal in the third round of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers was moved to the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena, Abeokuta, following concerns over the playing surface.
The statement concluded with an appeal to supporter:
We appreciate the patience, understanding, and continued support of the Oluyole faithful as we work diligently to resolve this matter.”
