Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have secured qualification for next season’s CAF Confederation Cup after finishing third in the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
The achievement marks the club’s return to continental football for the first time in 27 years despite suffering a 1-0 defeat to Niger Tornadoes on the final day of the campaign.
The Oluyole Warriors finished the season with 60 points from 38 matches, ending two points ahead of Ikorodu City, who placed fourth.
Shooting Stars last played on the continent in 1999 when they featured in the CAF Champions League after winning the Nigerian league title in 1998.
Their return to continental competition comes after years of instability, including multiple relegations and long periods outside Nigeria’s top flight.
The club’s resurgence follows major restructuring efforts introduced ahead of the 2025/26 season by the Oyo State Government.
As part of the overhaul, businessman Taiwo Lekan-Salami was appointed executive chairman, while marketing specialist Bunmi Fadayomi became chief operating officer.
Sports journalist and football administrator Tobi Adepoju was also appointed sporting director to oversee recruitment and long-term squad development.
The final Nigerian continental slot will now be determined through the President Federation Cup, with both Shooting Stars and Ikorodu City still competing in the tournament.
SEE VIDEO: