Shooting Stars Sports Club have appointed former Super Eagles coach Salisu Yusuf as their new Technical Adviser ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The Ibadan-based club announced Yusuf’s appointment in a statement, describing the experienced tactician as a valuable addition to its technical setup as the Oluyole Warriors prepare for a new campaign that will include continental football.
Yusuf returns to the NPFL after ending his spell with Benin Republic club Coton FC in June. He joined the club in August 2025 and guided them to a second-place finish in the Beninese top flight before both parties mutually agreed to end their relationship.
The 64-year-old coach has spent more than two decades in management, having begun his managerial career with Nasarawa United in 2002. He has subsequently worked with several Nigerian clubs, including Kano Pillars, Enugu Rangers and Enyimba.
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At the international level, Yusuf has been involved with several Nigerian national teams. He served as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles and also handled the Super Eagles B and Nigeria Under-23 teams.
One of his notable achievements came in 2018 when he led the home-based Super Eagles to the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco.
Shooting Stars said Yusuf’s experience, knowledge of Nigerian football and ability to develop local players were among the qualities that informed his appointment.
“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 said.
The club added that Yusuf was expected to provide “strong leadership, tactical expertise and a winning mentality” as Shooting Stars pursue their domestic and continental ambitions.
Yusuf replaces Aweroro after historic campaign
Yusuf’s appointment comes a few days after Shooting Stars parted ways with head coach Nurudeen Aweroro and members of his technical team.
Aweroro, Team Manager Tammy Tamuno and Assistant Coach Shakiru Lawal left the club by mutual agreement, bringing an end to Aweroro’s tenure after a highly successful 2025/26 campaign.
Aweroro guided Shooting Stars to third place in the NPFL, securing 60 points from 38 matches and earning the club a place in the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.
The achievement ended Shooting Stars’ 27-year wait for continental football. The club last featured in a continental competition in 1999, following their 1998 league triumph.
Aweroro’s departure, therefore, left the club facing the challenge of preparing for a new season and its long-awaited return to African competition.
With Yusuf now installed, the Oluyole Warriors will look to build on last season’s progress while balancing their domestic campaign with their return to the CAF Confederation Cup.