2026/2027 Euromatch Rescheduled NPFL: Shooting Stars Stumble Deepens Questions Over Yusuf’s Project

Posted : 08 October 2026

Shooting Stars’ difficult start to the 2026/27 EuroMatch Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season has intensified scrutiny on coach Salisu Yusuf, with sections of the club’s supporters openly demanding his departure.

The latest frustration followed Wednesday’s 0-0 draw against Kano Pillars at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, a result that extended the Oluyole Warriors’ winless run to four league matches.

The stalemate left Shooting Stars with eight points from seven matches, having recorded two victories, two draws and three defeats.

The result was followed by a protest from supporters, who reportedly gathered around the stadium car park as club officials prepared to leave and chanted, “Salisu Must Go.”

The reaction underlined the growing dissatisfaction with a team that entered the campaign with expectations of challenging strongly after finishing third last season.

Yusuf was appointed in August with the task of building on that campaign and guiding the club through its return to continental football after more than two decades.

The experienced coach also pledged to make Shooting Stars competitive across the NPFL, CAF Confederation Cup and domestic competitions.

Those ambitions have, however, encountered early setbacks.

Shooting Stars opened their league campaign with a 2-1 victory over Inter Lagos but have struggled to maintain momentum, losing to Plateau United, Warri Wolves and Enyimba while recording wins over Katsina United and Inter Lagos.

Their 4-2 defeat against Enyimba on Sept. 30 was followed by goalless draws against Nasarawa United and Kano Pillars.

The club’s continental campaign also ended earlier than expected.

After securing a 1-0 home victory over Tunisia’s CS Sfaxien in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie, Shooting Stars surrendered the advantage with a 2-0 defeat in the return leg, exiting 2-1 on aggregate.

The combination of continental elimination and inconsistent league performances has consequently increased pressure on Yusuf to produce an immediate turnaround.

Wednesday’s result was particularly frustrating for the Ibadan club, although it represented an important point for Kano Pillars.

Pillars ended a nine-year wait for an away point against Shooting Stars in Ibadan, having last avoided defeat at the Lekan Salami Stadium in June 2017 after a 0-0 draw.

They subsequently suffered four straight league defeats at the venue before Wednesday’s stalemate.

The point also maintained Pillars’ unbeaten start to the season, taking them to 11 points from seven matches.

For Shooting Stars, however, the result offered little relief as supporters continue to demand improved performances and results.

Yusuf had earlier urged fans to remain patient, promising that the team would improve as the season progressed.

But with the Oluyole Warriors struggling to turn performances into victories, patience appears to be wearing thin.

The coming fixtures could therefore become decisive for Yusuf, with the coach needing a rapid improvement in results to rebuild confidence and prevent the growing calls for his exit from becoming an even bigger issue for the club.

2026/2027 Euromatch Rescheduled NPFL: Shooting Stars Stumble Deepens Questions Over Yusuf’s Project

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