NPFL Declares Lekan Salami Stadium Unfit For 3SC Matches
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, unfit to host home matches of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), citing the deteriorating condition of the facility.
The decision came just hours after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved a request by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to change the venue of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Senegal, originally slated for the Ibadan stadium.
This is contained in a statement issued and signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, saying the league stated that Lekan Salami Stadium is no longer suitable for NPFL matches for 3SC, popularly known as Oluyole Warriors, to select an alternative home venue
Part of the statement reads:
“The 3SC is required to choose between the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, for the hosting of their home fixtures.
“We bring you compliments of the Board, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Premier Football League. We wish to inform you that subsequent to the broadcast and television rights entered into by the Nigeria Premier Football League recently, it has become necessary to inform you that the LEKAN SALAMI STADIUM is no more suitable to host NPFL matches.
“Based on the above, you are required to choose an alternative venue between the MKO ABIOLA STADIUM ABEOKUTA and the MOBOLAJI JOHNSON ARENA LAGOS to host your home fixtures. Your reply should reach the NPFL secretariat on or before the close of business on Monday 2nd February 2026, or the NPFL will be forced to allocate a venue for you.
“This is for your information and immediate compliance. Accept the assurances of our best sporting regards.”
The twin decisions by CAF and the NPFL have raised concerns among football stakeholders over the current state of the Lekan Salami Stadium, which was renovated and recommissioned about five years ago.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
