The long-standing 27-year jinx has finally been broken as Shooting Stars Sports Club secured a historic return to continental football with qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The Oluyole Warriors finished third on the NPFL26 table, earning the right to represent Nigeria on the African stage and bringing continental football back to Ibadan after nearly three decades.
The remarkable achievement has been widely attributed to the unwavering support and commitment of Seyi Makinde, whose administration has continued to invest in sports development and provide the needed backing for the club’s revival.
Football lovers and supporters across Oyo State have described the qualification as a major breakthrough, noting that the governor’s consistent encouragement, infrastructural support, and dedication to the growth of sports in the state played a significant role in ending the club’s 27-year wait for continental participation.
Players, coaching crew, management, and loyal fans were also commended for their resilience and determination throughout the season, as Shooting Stars maintained an impressive campaign to finish among the league’s top sides.
The qualification has sparked jubilation across Ibadan, with many describing the moment as a restoration of the city’s rich football heritage and a new chapter for one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football clubs.
With the ticket now secured, expectations are high as Shooting Stars prepare to fly Nigeria’s flag in the CAF Confederation Cup and continue their resurgence on the continental stage.