The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has deemed the Lekan Salami Stadium, home of Shooting Stars Sporting Club (3SC), unsuitable for matches due to the poor state of the playing turf. This directive comes less than three years after the stadium’s rehabilitation in September 2021.
The Oyo state government had reportedly spent N5.5 billion on the stadium’s renovation, but it appears that the work done was not up to par. The NPFL has given 3SC and six other affected clubs, including Sunshine Stars, Plateau United, and Kwara United, an ultimatum to rehabilitate their stadiums before the start of the 2024/25 season.
Davidson Owumi, NPFL’s chief operating officer, stated that the clubs failing to comply will be forced to play at alternative stadiums. The league body has also highlighted the absence of broadcast support facilities, such as elevated camera stands, as a concern.
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The NPFL’s 2024/25 season is set to kick off on August 31, and the league body has proposed July 15 and 16 for its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Lagos. The meeting will review the previous season and discuss the upcoming one.
This development raises questions about the quality of work done during the stadium’s rehabilitation and the responsibility of the contractors, Messrs Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd. The NPFL’s stance is a positive step towards ensuring that stadiums meet the necessary standards for a safe and enjoyable viewing experience.
The affected clubs have been put on notice, and it remains to be seen how quickly they will respond to the NPFL’s directive. The fate of the upcoming season hangs in the balance, and fans eagerly await the resolution of this issue.
Shooting Stars were very solid at home in the just concluded NPFL season, with 18 wins, 8 draws, and 12 losses, finishing 4th on NPFL table.
