NPFL Lifts Ban on Lekan Salami Stadium as Shooting Stars Prepare for Home Return

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has officially lifted the ban placed on Lekan Salami Stadium, the home ground of Shooting Stars Sports Club, according to TalkTalk Nigeria.

The stadium had previously been sanctioned due to the poor condition of its playing surface, forcing Shooting Stars to temporarily relocate their home matches to the Moshood Abiola Sports Arena. During that period, the Oluyole Warriors faced the challenge of playing away from their passionate fan base.

With the ban now lifted, Shooting Stars are set to return home, where they will host Kano Pillars in a matchday 28 fixture on Sunday. The Ibadan-based club will be hoping for a strong response after suffering a heavy 4–1 defeat against Plateau United in their last outing.

Opinion: The return to Lekan Salami Stadium could not have come at a better time for Shooting Stars. Home advantage in Nigerian football is often more than just familiarity with the pitch—it’s about the energy of supporters, local pride, and psychological confidence. Playing in front of their own fans may provide the boost the team needs to regain momentum after recent struggles.

However, the situation also highlights a broader issue within domestic football: infrastructure standards. While lifting the ban is good news, maintaining consistent pitch quality should remain a priority to ensure player safety and improve the league’s overall professionalism.

For fans in Ibadan, Sunday’s match is more than just another league fixture—it’s a homecoming. And with pride on the line, expectations will be high for Shooting Stars to deliver a performance worthy of their supporters’ loyalty.