Euromatch NPFL: Shooting Stars’ Stuttering Start Puts Yusuf Under Pressure

Pressure is mounting on Shooting Stars technical adviser Salisu Yusuf following the team’s poor start to the 2026/27 campaign.

The Oluyole Warriors were held to a goalless draw by Kano Pillars in a rescheduled Matchday 3 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Wednesday.

The result means Shooting Stars have won just one of their last seven league matches, recording one win, two draws and four defeats during the run.

Their disappointing start has also been compounded by their early exit from the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Ibadan club were eliminated in the first preliminary round by Tunisian side CS Sfaxien.

Read Also:Euromatch NPFL: Yusuf Assures Shooting Stars Will Improve After Slow Start

Shooting Stars secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg at their temporary home ground in Abeokuta, but surrendered their advantage after losing 2-0 in the return leg.

Yusuf’s side difficult start to the 2026/27 season is in stark contrast to the team’s impressive finish to the 2025/26 campaign, when the Oluyole Warriors secured a third-place finish and earned a continental ticket for the first time in more than two decades.

The experienced tactician replaced Nurudeen Aweroro, who was controversially sacked by the club just a few weeks before the start of the new season.

Following Wednesday’s stalemate with Kano Pillars, sections of the club’s supporters called for Yusuf’s dismissal and demanded the reinstatement of Aweroro.

Yusuf will now hope for a quick turnaround when Shooting Stars travel to face Kun Khalifat FC in a Matchday 8 encounter this weekend.

By Adeboye Amosu

Adeboye Amosu is a seasoned sports journalist and Senior Content Writer with extensive experience covering Nigerian football and international football. He specializes in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), provides insightful coverage, match reports, news, and analysis of the domestic game. Adeboye also follows the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Chelsea, bringing his knowledge of the teams, players, and competitions to his writing.