NPFL directs 3SC to play home games outside Ibadan over poor pitch
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan to temporarily move their home matches to either MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta or Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos.
This is contained in a letter signed by the NPFL chief operating officer, Davidson Owumi, and directed to the chairman of Shooting Stars Sport Club on Friday.
The directive came as a result of the current poor condition of the football pitch at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, which serves as the home pitch for 3SC.
The league body noted that the present condition of the pitch makes it unsuitable for television broadcast.
According to the letter, the current state of the playing surface falls below the standard required for NPFL matches, particularly with respect to broadcast quality and player safety.
The NPFL emphasised that the move became necessary to maintain the integrity of the league, ensure quality match presentation, and protect the welfare of players, officials and broadcasters.
“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 longer 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 Feb. 2, 2026, or the NPFL will be forced to allocate a venue for you,” the letter reads.
(NAN)
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