Shooting Stars appoint Salisu Yusuf as Head coach ahead of the new NPFL season

Shooting Stars have appointed experienced Nigerian coach Salisu Yusuf as their new head coach ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The 64-year-old replaces Aweroro and will lead the Ibadan club into a campaign that will see them compete in both the NPFL and the CAF Confederation Cup.

Yusuf returns to the Nigerian top flight with extensive experience at club and international level, having previously worked with several of the country’s leading teams and national sides.

His appointment gives Shooting Stars an experienced coach as the club prepares for the demands of a season that will combine domestic and continental football.

A coach with extensive experience

Yusuf has built a long coaching career in Nigerian football, working with clubs including Kano Pillars, Enyimba and Enugu Rangers.

He has also held several positions within the national-team setup, including roles with the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s age-grade teams.

The experienced coach was part of the Super Eagles’ technical crew during Nigeria’s successful qualification campaign for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and has also served as interim head coach of the senior national team.

His experience extends beyond Nigeria, giving him exposure to different football environments and competitions.

That background could prove valuable as he begins his latest assignment with Shooting Stars.

A demanding campaign ahead

Yusuf’s appointment comes with a significant challenge.

Shooting Stars will have to compete on two fronts, with their NPFL campaign running alongside their CAF Confederation Cup commitments.

The continental competition will take the Ibadan club beyond Nigeria, exposing the team to different opponents and playing environments across Africa.

Managing that schedule will require squad depth, tactical flexibility and careful planning from the new coach.

For Shooting Stars, continental football also presents an opportunity to build on the club’s history and strengthen its profile beyond Nigerian football.

Yusuf will therefore be expected to build a team capable of competing consistently in the NPFL while also adapting to the demands of African club competition.

A new chapter in Ibadan

The appointment marks a new chapter for Shooting Stars as the club prepares to move into the new season under a different coach.

For Yusuf, it represents another opportunity to demonstrate his experience in Nigerian football and compete for success at both domestic and continental level.

The coach has previously emphasised his commitment to contributing to Nigerian football.

“I always welcome the challenge to serve the country and give my quota to the development of the game in Nigeria,” Yusuf said during his time with the Super Eagles.

Now, his focus shifts to Shooting Stars.

The club will hope his experience can help create a competitive side capable of challenging in the NPFL while making an impact in the CAF Confederation Cup.

With preparations for the new season underway, Yusuf’s appointment provides Shooting Stars with an experienced hand to lead the team into what promises to be a demanding campaign.

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