Aweroro Credits Squad for Historic Feat

Nurudeen Aweroro, the technical adviser of Shooting Stars, expressed profound gratitude after steering the Ibadan-based club to a third-place finish in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

This landmark achievement shatters a 27-year continental drought and secures the Oluyole Warriors a coveted position in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

Even with a narrow 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes on the final day of the campaign, 3SC preserved their standing as favorable results in simultaneous fixtures fell perfectly into place.

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Earning this continental ticket underscores the squad’s steady ascent under Aweroro’s tactical vision.

He previously navigated the team to a fourth-place finish during his debut campaign last season before orchestrating their triumphant return to the African stage this year.

Reflecting his character, the coach humbly deflected personal adulation. He chose instead to illuminate the monumental grit of his players and the tireless dedication of his backroom staff, hailing them as the true architects of this sporting renaissance.

“To God be all the praise for making this possible, and I am deeply humbled to lead this group,” Aweroro stated.

“My heartfelt thanks to Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami for the belief and backing. If I am honest, my role was small. The heart, sweat, and sacrifice came from the players who gave everything, alongside the staff who worked day and night out of sight. I am begging the media and fans to celebrate these boys and the backroom team more. They deserve every cheer and every headline.”

The Oluyole Warriors last danced on the African club football stage during the 1998/99 season. That was an era when the competition structure still featured the African Cup Winners’ Cup running parallel to the CAF Cup.

As Shooting Stars prepare to enter the modern Confederation Cup next season, they will step into a vastly transformed continental arena.

This new landscape is defined by structured prize money, live digital broadcasts, and advanced professional logistics that were entirely absent during their late-nineties expeditions.