By Olanrewaju Agiri
The co-founder and creative director of 3SCFanTV, Arc. Idris Animasaun has described the appointment of Taiwo Lekan Salami as Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club in July 2025 as a signal of a new era for the storied Ibadan-based side.
At a time when the club’s legacy, rooted in its continental triumphs and historic status in Nigerian football, faced the threat of stagnation, the veteran administrator stepped in and turned the tide to a more promising future.
Animasaun who is an architect by profession explained in detail, his words: “Salami’s strategic vision and profound understanding of the game have already begun to inspire hope among fans and players alike, as they look forward to revitalizing the club’s competitive edge and reclaiming its former glory.”
He claimed that “Salami introduced a clear blueprint: the ‘3Rs’ program of re-engineering, restructuring, and repositioning. He stressed that the club must transform both on and off the pitch: upgrading infrastructure, professionalizing governance, and returning the club to its rightful place among Nigeria’s elite.”
Crucially, Salami is not working in isolation. He has the full backing of Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, whose administration has invested significantly in the state’s sporting ecosystem.
Under Makinde, facilities such as the Lekan Salami Stadium at Adamasingba have been renovated; the governor’s resolve in supporting 3SC’s aspirations, including approving land allocations for past title-winning squads and pledging support for continental ambitions, underscores this commitment. Together, the leadership duo is striving to write a new chapter for a club once renowned for its glory on the national and continental stage.
Speaking on the improved revenue generation and attendance, 3SCFan TV Chieftain gave a breakdown of how the Chief Operating Officer of the Club, Mr. Bunmi Fadayomi turned things around by introducing a new order which translated to astronomical rise in the revenue generation from gate-taking to club merchandise.
“Last season, Shooting Stars generated approximately ₦24 million in revenue across 16 home games (an average of about ₦1.5 million per match, acknowledging the fact that the club played its last three games behind closed doors after a ban). In contrast, this season’s first five fixtures have yielded markedly higher figures.”
From Matchday 1: ₦4,841,000 was realized with 6,484 attendees in their match against Bayelsa United. Matchday 3: some of ₦6,627,500 was realized with an improved 8,425 attendees in a match against Ikorodu City of Lagos. During Matchday 5: ₦3,372,500 was raked in with 4,252 attendees versus Kun Khalifat FC. While in Matchday 7: ₦5,219,500 also realized from gate-taken with 6,251 attendees against Plateau United. During the last home game against Abia Warriors in Matchday 9: ₦4,170,000 was realized with 5,907 attendees.
“Remarkably, a comparable fixture against Abia Warriors last season yielded only about ₦800,000, making the current numbers evidence of over 300 percent improvement in match-day revenue and attendance. These statistics reflect the early fruit of Salami’s restructuring agenda and fan re-engagement efforts.”
Strategic Foundations and Forward Vision.
Beyond mere numbers, Salami is laying strategic foundations. He has announced the intention to build a permanent club facility: a players’ hostel, training pitches, a gym, coaches’ quarters, a lounge, and a restaurant are all part of the vision.
He has also moved swiftly to improve logistics, rebranding the team’s bus ahead of the new season to elevate professionalism. Meanwhile, Governor Makinde’s approval for plots of land for the club’s historic 1998 double-winning squad further enhances morale and signals institutional stability. In short, the combination of strong leadership, operational transparency, and strategic investments is creating the conditions for sustainable growth.
Implications for the Club and the Community
If Shooting Stars continue on this trajectory, self-sustenance is no longer a distant dream but a credible possibility. Higher match-day revenues, greater brand visibility, and impending commercial deals, including speculation of a front shirt sponsor, point to a future where the club is less reliant purely on state funding and more rooted in commercial viability.
For Oyo State this is significant, a revitalised 3SC can enhance local pride, youth engagement, and sports tourism, an area Governor Makinde has emphasized.
Conclusion.
Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami deserves commendation for his transparent and tireless efforts. His clarity of vision, coupled with the tactical discipline to execute reforms, is refreshing in a sporting ecosystem often hindered by opaque governance. His leadership at 3SC offers hope not only for the club’s revival but also for Nigerian club football more broadly.
Equally, Governor Seyi Makinde’s bold choice in backing Salami and reinforcing support for the club underscores the value of political will aligned with strategic thinking. Under their stewardship, Shooting Stars is not merely looking to reclaim past glories; it is charting a path toward a modern, sustainable future.
