Shooting Stars Seal CAF Confederation Cup Spot After 27-Year Wait

Context Shooting Stars last appeared in continental football in 1999, when they entered the CAF Champions League after winning the 1998 league title. Since then the club suffered multiple relegations, spending seasons outside the top flight and relying heavily on government subsidies. The Oyo State Government launched a corporate‑led management overhaul before the 2025/26 season to stabilize finances and improve performance.

Key Facts The team finished the league with 60 points from 38 matches, securing third place. Ikorodu City finished fourth with 58 points, leaving Shooting Stars two points ahead. The qualification came despite a 1‑0 final‑day loss to Niger Tornadoes, showing the club’s consistency across the season. Under the new structure, Taiwo Lekan‑Sami serves as executive chairman, Bunmi Fadayomi as chief operating officer, and Tobi Adepoju as sporting director.

What It Means The return to continental competition provides Shooting Stars with revenue from CAF prize money and broadcasting rights, reducing dependence on state funding. It also offers a platform to attract sponsors and improve player recruitment. The corporate model aims to create a sustainable operational framework that can sustain future league and cup challenges.

What to watch next The final Nigerian slot for CAF competitions will be decided in the President Federation Cup, where Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City remain alive; the winner will gain an additional continental berth. The loser will focus on the upcoming CAF Confederation Cup group stage draw, scheduled for later this year.