Ayobami Junior Joins Algerian Side USMK After Leaving Shooting Stars

Posted : 30 July 2026

Nigerian midfielder Ayobami Junior has completed a move to Algerian Ligue 1 club USMK after leaving Nigeria Premier Football League side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) as a free agent.

The 27-year-old sealed the transfer following the expiration of his contract with the Ibadan-based club, bringing an end to a productive spell with the Oluyole Warriors. He established himself as one of the NPFL's most reliable midfielders through a string of consistent performances and became an important figure in the team's setup.

Shooting Stars made efforts to keep the midfielder by offering him a new contract. However, Ayobami decided to pursue a fresh challenge outside Nigeria, opting to continue his career in North Africa with USMK.

Reports indicate that USMK head coach Billel Dziri played a key role in securing the signing. The former Algerian international reportedly identified the Nigerian midfielder as one of his priority transfer targets and was instrumental in convincing him to join the club ahead of the new season.

Ayobami is understood to have attracted interest from clubs in the United Arab Emirates during the transfer window. Despite those opportunities, he chose the Algerian top flight, where he has signed a short-term contract with USMK.

The midfielder arrives with a reputation for his composure in possession, work rate, and ability to control the tempo in midfield. His experience in the NPFL is expected to strengthen USMK as they prepare for the upcoming Algerian Ligue 1 campaign.

According to Transfermarkt, Ayobami Junior has an estimated market value of around €200,000, highlighting his growing profile following several impressive seasons in Nigeria.

His move also continues the trend of NPFL players securing transfers to clubs across Africa and beyond. The Nigerian league has increasingly produced players capable of competing in other top African competitions, with several clubs looking to the NPFL for proven talent.

For Ayobami, the transfer offers an opportunity to test himself in a more competitive environment while expanding his career on the continental stage. Strong performances in Algeria could also boost his chances of attracting interest from clubs in Europe or the Middle East in future transfer windows.

USMK will hope the Nigerian midfielder settles quickly as the club targets a strong campaign in the 2026/27 Algerian Ligue 1 season.

Ayobami Junior Joins Algerian Side USMK After Leaving Shooting Stars

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