Aweroro denies bribery allegations after 3SC exit

Former Shooting Stars coach Nurudeen Aweroro has vehemently denied claims that he accepted bribes from players, allegations reportedly linked to his recent departure from the club. Shooting Stars and Aweroro mutually agreed to part ways last Saturday, concluding his single season in charge.

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Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty.

During his tenure, Aweroro led the Ibadan-based club to a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League. This achievement marked the team's return to continental club football after a 27-year absence, securing a spot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup. The club has since been drawn against Tunisia's CS Sfaxien in the preliminary round.

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These are different from instances whereby players feel they should appreciate you with a token. There was even a time Qamar Adegoke was experiencing a goal drought. I prayed for him and charged him to score nothing less than 10 goals. He wanted to send money to me, and I told him to send it to the fans.

Speaking on a Yoruba sports program, Aweroro challenged anyone making bribery accusations to present evidence. He distinguished between players offering tokens of appreciation and actual inducements. He recounted an instance where player Qamar Adegoke offered him money after breaking a goal drought, which Aweroro directed to the fans instead. He also cited Alade Balogun, whom he brought from Ikorodu City, as a player who had never been asked for financial favors.

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I brought Alade Balogun from Ikorodu City, and I had to ask him in the midst of all the players if I had ever asked him for any financial favours or inducements before. He said no. That is a player that has been with me from Ikorodu City.

Aweroro also revealed the personal toll the job took, stating his blood pressure reached 169 during his time at the club. Despite health warnings and prescribed rest, he prioritized achieving the club's continental target. Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are reportedly considering former Rangers coach Imama Amapakabo and ex-Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf as potential replacements.

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Yes, I could say that. During my time at the club, my blood pressure was around 169, and the chairman, Taiwo Lekan-Salami, had ensured that I went to the hospital.