New era: Shooting Stars steal Ikorodu City coach Aweroro in major coup

Southwest and NPFL giants Shooting Stars, 3SC, have made a big statement ahead of the new season after naming Ikorodu City's former coach, Nurudeen Aweroro, as their new coach.

Aweroro comes in ahead of the new season as a replacement for Gbenga Ogunbote, who ‘stepped down’ from his position as the club’s technical adviser.

In what was their first-ever season in the NPFL, Aweroro led Ikorodu City to a stunning fourth position, narrowly missing out on CAF competitions after taking over mid-season with the club in the relegation zone.

Under him, the Oga Boys also emerged as the league's most entertaining side, scoring the most goals (60) in the league while boasting an impressive home record (15 wins and 2 draws) in 19 matches.

He also picked up four points against Shooting Stars last season in their head-to-head battle, which may have convinced the Oluyole Warriors to see him as the man to lead their rejuvenation and new era.

In a post on social media, 3SC unveiled Oweroro as the latest to take the reins of the Warriors, one of the sweeping changes by the club that has also seen the exit of the club’s storied general manager, Dimeji Lawal.

“Nurudeen Aweroro is the new Head Coach of Shooting Stars SC,” the club stated on X, formerly Twitter.

“A fresh chapter begins in the Oluyole Warriors’ journey,” the club added.

Aweroro, a CAF licensed coach, arrives in Ibadan with a wealth of experience that has taken him to Remo Stars, MFM FC & Ikorodu City

Following his unveiling, the new boss will have been tasked with changing the club’s fortunes as they look to reclaim their lost glory.

Last season, the Oluyole Warriors finished eighth, five points behind Ikoroduu, who were managed by their new boss. They also managed just 39 goals in 38 matches compared to Aweroro’s 60 at Ikorodu.

Aweroro’s job will now be to improve that performance last season and bring some of the entertainment that made his former team, the Oga Boys, a joy to watch to the ancient city of Ibadan.

Shooting Stars want to be the best team in the NPFL, and in Aweroro, the Warriors believe they have found the right man to make that happen.