The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially lifted the ban on the Lekan Salami Stadium, located in Adamasinga, Ibadan. This decision marks a major victory for Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), as the stadium serves as their traditional home ground.
The league body previously prohibited matches at the venue due to concerns over the facility. However, following recent inspections, the stadium has been cleared to host professional football once again.
The NPFL originally imposed the ban because of the deteriorating state of the playing surface. Officials noted that the pitch did not meet the required standards for top-flight football or television broadcasts.
The league ordered Shooting Stars to find an alternative venue until the grass was restored to a professional level. The management of the stadium has since worked to improve the turf to meet these strict requirements.
While the ban was in effect, the “Oluyole Warriors” were forced to play their home matches away from their loyal supporters in Ibadan. The club adopted the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena in Abeokuta as its temporary home ground.
Although the team continued to compete in neighboring Ogun State, fans and players alike expressed a strong desire to return to Adamasinga. The relocation put additional pressure on the squad, but they managed to maintain their league standing during the transition.
The lifting of the ban means that Shooting Stars can now host their upcoming NPFL fixtures in front of their home crowd. This news has been met with great excitement by football enthusiasts in Oyo State.
The return to Ibadan is expected to provide a significant psychological boost to the players. Home advantage is often a deciding factor in the NPFL, and the Oluyole Warriors will look to capitalize on the energy of their local supporters.
The stadium management has assured the league that they will continue to maintain the pitch to prevent future sanctions. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Lekan Salami Stadium to see if it remains one of the premier football destinations in Nigeria.
