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)