Kehinde Adeyemi says seven games are too early to judge the Oluyole Warriors and blames poor finishing, not tactics, for the slow start.
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A call for calm in Ibadan
Sports psychologist Kehinde Adeyemi has appealed to Shooting Stars supporters to be patient with the team’s technical crew. He strongly urged fans to stop personal attacks against Director of Football Tobi Adepoju and coach Salisu Yusuf. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that Adeyemi sees a slow start as normal in football.
Speaking on the Oluyole Warriors’ sluggish early-season form, he warned against writing off the squad after just seven matches. He said failing to win early home games is no reason to cast aspersions on the technical setup.
NPFL fans who like to predict results can try Super9ja’s weekly prediction game before Sunday’s fixtures. Seven games into a 38-game season, the table still has plenty of room for change.
Defending the Director of Football
Adeyemi, an English FA-trained football psychologist, specifically defended Adepoju against mounting criticism. He explained the distinct administrative role of a Director of Football in the modern game.
“The Director of Football does not sit on the bench with the coaches,” he said, adding that Adepoju should not be a target for abuse.
Yusuf was appointed technical adviser in August after the club parted ways with Nurudeen Aweroro, days before the new season began. Fans following the NPFL can read Bet9ja promotion code basics before the weekend.
The finishing problem
Adeyemi pinpointed poor finishing, not a lack of organisation or creativity, as the core problem behind the recent drought. He said the team has created many chances but has not converted them.
He added that a team which could not create a single chance would be a different case. In his view, that is not what is happening at Shooting Stars.
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Continental ambitions still alive
Adeyemi pointed out that qualifying for continental football is decided by who finishes better, not who starts better. Shooting Stars ended a 27 year absence from African competition this season after reaching a continental place.
He also admitted that poor results cost him sleep too, and he called for understanding. The next test comes on Sunday, when Shooting Stars visit Kun Khalifat at 4pm.
📌 Did You Know?
- Shooting Stars began as WNDC Ibadan in the 1950s and are nicknamed the Oluyole Warriors.
- Shooting Stars and Rangers dominated Nigerian football in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Yusuf has worked with Rangers, Kano Pillars, Nasarawa United and the Super Eagles.
- His last job before 3SC was as head coach of Benin Republic club Coton Sport.
- Shooting Stars opened the 2026/27 season at home against newly promoted Inter Lagos.
