Shooting Stars hires Salisu Yusuf as new coach for upcoming season

Shooting Stars Sports Club has named former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf as their new Technical Adviser for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.

The club based in Ibadan shared Yusuf’s appointment in a statement. They see the experienced coach as a key addition to their team as they get ready for a new season that includes continental football.

Yusuf is returning to the NPFL after his time with Coton FC in Benin Republic ended in June. He joined Coton FC in August 2025 and helped them finish second in the Beninese league. Both sides agreed to part ways after that.

At 64, Yusuf has over 20 years of coaching experience. He began his career with Nasarawa United in 2002. Since then, he has worked with clubs like Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers, and Enyimba.

On the international stage, Yusuf has been involved with various Nigerian national teams. He was an assistant coach for the Super Eagles and also coached the Super Eagles B team and the Nigeria Under-23 team.

One of his biggest achievements was in 2018 when he led the home-based Super Eagles to the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.

Shooting Stars shared that Yusuf’s experience, knowledge of Nigerian football, and his talent for developing local players were key reasons for his hiring.

"His wealth of experience, deep understanding of Nigerian football, and proven ability to work with and develop homegrown talent make him a valuable addition to our technical setup as we prepare for the challenges ahead," the club stated.

The club also mentioned that Yusuf is expected to bring "strong leadership, tactical expertise, and a winning mentality" as Shooting Stars aim for success in both local and continental competitions.

This hiring comes shortly after Shooting Stars and head coach Nurudeen Aweroro parted ways along with his technical team.

Aweroro, Team Manager Tammy Tamuno, and Assistant Coach Shakiru Lawal left the club by mutual agreement. Aweroro's time with the team ended after a successful 2025/26 season.

Under Aweroro, Shooting Stars finished third in the NPFL, earning 60 points from 38 matches and a spot in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

This achievement marked the end of a 27-year wait for Shooting Stars to compete on the continental stage. Their last appearance in a continental competition was in 1999, following their league win in 1998.

With Aweroro's departure, the club is now tasked with preparing for a new season and their long-awaited return to African competition.

Now with Yusuf on board, the Oluyole Warriors will aim to build on last season's success while managing their domestic campaign and their return to the CAF Confederation Cup.