The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to relocate their home matches from the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, citing the poor condition of the pitch and its unsuitability for broadcast standards.
READ ALSO: Fenerbahce Close In on Statement January Move for Lookman as Atletico Enter the Frame
In an official letter dated January 30, 2026, and signed by NPFL Chief Operating Officer Davidson Owumi, the league informed the management of Shooting Stars that the Lekan Salami Stadium no longer meets the requirements to host NPFL matches following the league’s newly secured broadcast and television rights agreement.
According to the NPFL, the condition of the playing surface falls below the standard required for professional league fixtures, especially in view of enhanced television production demands.
As a result, Shooting Stars have been instructed to select an alternative home venue between the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, for their remaining home fixtures this season.
The league further stated that the Ibadan-based club must communicate its choice to the NPFL Secretariat on or before Monday, February 2, 2026.
Failure to do so, the NPFL warned, will compel the league body to unilaterally assign a venue to the club.
The decision effectively means Shooting Stars will play their home matches away from Ibadan for the time being, dealing a blow to supporters who regularly troop to the Lekan Salami Stadium to cheer the Oluyole Warriors.
The development adds Shooting Stars to the growing list of NPFL clubs affected by venue and infrastructure challenges as the league intensifies efforts to improve matchday quality, pitch standards, and television appeal across the country.
It remains to be seen how quickly remedial work can be carried out on the Lekan Salami Stadium pitch to enable Shooting Stars return to Ibadan before the end of the season.
 has directed Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to relocate their home matches){kind=link}