3SC end 27-year wait for continental ticket

Shooting Stars have clinched a place in next season's CAF Confederation Cup, marking their return to continental football after a 27-year hiatus. The Ibadan-based club secured third place in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League, accumulating 60 points from 38 matches. This achievement came despite a 1-0 defeat on the final day of the season against Niger Tornadoes.

The third-place finish ensured Shooting Stars finished two points ahead of Ikorodu City, who ended the campaign in fourth position for the second consecutive season. This qualification represents a significant milestone for a club that has experienced considerable instability over the decades. Their last continental appearance was in 1999, when they participated in the CAF Champions League following their 1998 league triumph.

In recent years, the club has endured relegation on technical grounds, spent four seasons outside the top flight before promotion in 2003, and faced further relegations in 2006, 2013, and 2017. The current success is attributed in part to a major structural overhaul initiated by the Oyo State Government ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The government replaced the previous board with a corporate-led management model aimed at restoring the club's competitiveness and continental standing. Business executive Taiwo Lekan-Salami was appointed executive chairman with a mandate to drive a cultural reset and reduce reliance on government funding. Marketing specialist Bunmi Fadayomi was installed as chief operating officer to strengthen commercial operations and fan engagement. Sports journalist Tobi Adepoju joined as sporting director to oversee recruitment and long-term squad development, following a shift in tactical identity and the departure of veteran coach Gbenga Ogunbote.

Another Nigerian club, Ikorodu City, also remains in contention for the final continental ticket from Nigeria, which will be decided through the President Federation Cup. Both Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City have advanced to the round of 32 in that competition.