Sports

Shooting Stars Fire 20 Players, Amoo’s Fate Undecided

Shooting Stars have begun the process of trimming down their  squad ahead of  life in the  second tier of Nigerian football.

The Ibadan side were relegated at the end of the Premier League last season after a campaign marred by inconsistency.

The Executive Chairman of   the outfit, Gbolagade Busari,   had warned of a big shake-up  in the  side  following their  relegation  from the  elite league  along with  Remo Stars, Gombe and ABS. Busari said the  move was aimed at making the team stronger.

The club  have now indicated their readiness  to fight their way back from the National League to the  Nigerian top flight  by  firing  20 players.

Spokesman for the club, Jubril Arowolo,  said on Monday the management decided to throw the players into the labour market   after assessing the   performances of each of the 40  players in the squad  last season.

Among the players sent packing are Wasiu Jimoh, Merenini, Suraju Sadiq, Abu Azeez and Tolulope Olaifa, our correspondent learnt.

Arowolo listed the players, whose services were  retained  by the club,  as  Abubakar Adamu, Michael Uweru, Shittu Taiwo, Isiaq Rafiu, Ajani Ibrahim, Kunle Olukokun, Bode Daniel, Sherrif Sanda, Kayode Bankole and Seun Akinyemi.

Others are  Alaba Osawe, Omololu Waheed, Opeyemi Adetoyi, Oginni Olatubosun, Ayobami Abiodun Jnr, Shile Ibrahim, Sunday Faleye, Jide Apena, Abayomi Adebayo and Rafiu Wasiu.

He  said  the club would soon  embark on screening of new players to replace those asked to leave.

“The club’s hierarchy has accepted the challenge of playing at the National League next season and will do everything possible to  gain promotion back to the Premier League  within the shortest period,” the club chief said.

“The evaluation of the team will still continue. We assure that our fans will see better and improved Shooting Stars next season.”

Our correspondent learnt that Shooting Stars had sent out scouts to identify players capable of helping them achieve their promotion target.

Meanwhile,  3SC coach Fatai Amoo’s  fate is hanging in the balance  as the management of the Oyo State-owned team have yet to decide whether he would manage the side next season.

It was learnt that Amoo came under intense pressure after he failed to save the side from  relegation.

However, sources say the management is divided over whether the former Nigeria midfielder should be sacked or retained. But it was learnt that the coach  he is keen to oversee the team’s return to the Premier League next season.

 

 

(PUNCH)

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