*Calls For Improved Football Structures
The Executive Chairman of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Hon. Taiwo Lekan-Salami, has expressed concern over the absence of Nigeria’s Super Eagles from the ongoing FIFA World Cup, warning that smaller footballing nations are rapidly closing the gap on traditional African powerhouses.
Speaking during Parrotxtra Hour, a weekly magazine programme on Splash 105.5 FM Ibadan, hosted by Ambassador Olayinka Agboola on Tuesday, Lekan-Salami said global football has become increasingly competitive, making it imperative for Nigeria to improve its football development structures.
According to him, the era when Nigeria could solely rely on its status as the “Giant of Africa” is gradually fading, as several smaller nations have made significant progress through strategic investment in football.
“Football is evolving globally, and it is dynamic. Every country is closing the gap, especially in Africa. We have always referred to ourselves as the Giant of Africa in terms of economy, business, and sports, but that status can no longer be taken for granted,” he said.
He cited countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Cape Verde as examples of nations making remarkable progress despite having smaller populations and fewer resources.
“Take a country like Cape Verde, with a population of less than one million, yet they have been able to build a formidable national team capable of competing at the highest level. This should serve as a wake-up call for Nigeria,” he added.
Lekan-Salami stressed that Nigeria must invest more in football infrastructure, modern training facilities, medical support systems, and player welfare to remain competitive on the global stage.
He explained that these are the same principles currently guiding the administration of Shooting Stars.
“We are providing quality hostel accommodation for our players, improving their welfare, and adopting a result-oriented administrative approach. We are also bringing in top professionals to manage different aspects of the club,” he said.
The 3SC chairman noted that the club’s youth development programme is already yielding positive results, revealing that one of the academy players was recently invited to the NPFL Under-19 team and departed for Abuja ahead of a possible trip to Belgium for international engagements.
“Our Under-19 programme is the foundation of the future of Shooting Stars. Most of our senior team players in the coming years will emerge from the academy,” he stated.
On the recent invitation of two Shooting Stars players to the Super Eagles camp, Lekan-Salami said the recognition was well deserved and reflected their outstanding performances during the season.
“It did not come as a surprise to me. Tijani Al-Ameen is arguably the best central defender in the Nigeria Premier Football League this season, while Ayobami Junior has been exceptional in attacking midfield.”
He pointed out that Ayobami Junior recorded 13 assists during the campaign, nearly double the tally of the next-best player in the league that has just seven assists. “They earned their invitations purely on merit,” he said.
Asked how he would approach managing the national team if given the opportunity, Lekan-Salami acknowledged that coaching at that level requires a different leadership style.
“It is another level of leadership and management because you will be dealing with highly experienced professionals from top leagues around the world. Managing such players requires broader leadership skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to earn their respect,” he explained.
Lekan-Salami also expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his unwavering support and encouragement, which he said played a vital role in Shooting Stars’ qualification for continental football for the first time in 27 years.
He described the achievement as a testament to visionary leadership, sound administration, and sustained investment in football development.
