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Nurudeen Aweroro

Former Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) head coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, has strongly refuted allegations that he accepted bribes and financial inducements from his players.

The bribery claims have been heavily linked to the club’s sudden decision to relieve him of his duties just weeks before the start of the 2026/27 season.

Shooting Stars officially parted ways with the coach by mutual consent last Saturday after just one season in charge. During his brief but impactful tenure, Aweroro successfully guided the Ibadan-based side to a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League.

This achievement ended a 27-year continental drought for the club, securing their place in the upcoming 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

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Following the technical shake-up, which also affected assistant coach Shakiru Lawal and team manager Tammy Tamuno, Aweroro addressed the controversy during an appearance on the Yoruba sports radio programme, Gbagede Ere Idaraya, hosted by Sola Aiyegbajeje in Ibadan. The former coach challenged anyone with proof of his alleged misconduct to make it public.

“Any player who has said I used to take money from them should come forward with the evidence. If they are able to present any evidence, that means I am truly guilty,” Aweroro declared.

He carefully distinguished between forced inducements and voluntary tokens of appreciation from players, citing an instance where striker Qamar Adegoke offered him money after breaking a goal drought. Aweroro stated that he firmly instructed the player to share the money with the fans instead.

He further defended his character by referencing his relationship with Alade Balogun, a player he brought into the squad from Ikorodu City. According to Aweroro, he publicly asked Balogun in front of the entire team if he had ever demanded financial favours, to which the player answered no. The coach added that rather than extorting his players, he often spent his own money to buy them boots and provide necessary financial assistance.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Aweroro revealed that the high-pressure job took a severe toll on his health. He disclosed that his blood pressure spiked to 169, prompting club chairman Taiwo Lekan-Salami to mandate a hospital visit. Despite strict medical advice to rest, the coach stated he refused to step back until he achieved the club’s continental target.

Meanwhile, Shooting Stars are actively exploring options for a new head coach to lead the team into the new season. Reports indicate the club is considering a move for 57-year-old Imama Amapakabo, who famously led Rangers to the NPFL title in 2016.

Negotiations with his current employers, Abia Warriors, are reportedly underway. Former Super Eagles assistant coach Salisu Yusuf is also considered a strong contender for the vacant position.

The Oluyole Warriors are racing against time to finalize their technical crew. The team is scheduled to face Inter Lagos in Ibadan for their opening fixture of the 2026/27 NPFL season on August 28, before taking on Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminaries.