A member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide, has praised Ibadan’s premier football club following their dramatic Nigeria Premier Football League qualification success. The lawmaker congratulated the team on securing their highly anticipated Shooting Stars CAF Confederation Cup ticket, which effectively ends a painful 27-year wait for Oluyole Warriors continental football.
Olajide represents the Ibadan North-west/Ibadan South-west federal constituency of Oyo State. He described the historic achievement as a major breakthrough. According to the federal lawmaker, this success will rapidly accelerate local football development in Oyo State and across Nigeria. The politician released his official congratulatory remarks through a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Tolu Mustapha.
The Road to Shooting Stars CAF Confederation Cup Victory
The team secured their place in next season’s tournament after a grueling domestic campaign. Shooting Stars finished third on the final league table, gathering 60 points. They maintained their top-three position despite suffering a narrow 1-0 defeat against Niger Tornadoes F.C. during their final league fixture in Minna.
This dramatic finish confirmed their Nigeria Premier Football League qualification status. Crucially, the achievement marks the club’s first appearance in a major African tournament since 1999. The feat ends nearly three decades of agonizing absence from elite African club competitions.
Olajide Praises Oluyole Warriors Continental Football Legacy
Hon. Adedeji Olajide Odidiomo warmly commended the players, technical crew, management, and loyal supporters. He praised the entire institution for showing immense dedication, discipline, and consistency throughout the football season.
He explained that the triumph represents the restoration of a proud football heritage. This legacy remains deeply grounded in the rich history and cultural identity of Ibadan.
“This qualification is a moment of pride for the people of Oyo state and football lovers across Nigeria. Shooting Stars remain one of the most historic football institutions in the country and this return to continental football is well deserved,” he stated.
The lawmaker noted that the club’s impressive resurgence would naturally inspire young, aspiring footballers. He believes it will actively strengthen youth engagement within the region.
Driving Oyo State Sports Development Forward
The politician also reserved high praise for the executive arm of the regional government. He commended the administration for its sustained financial and structural support towards Oyo State sports development. He noted that consistent investment in modern sports infrastructure, player welfare, and institutional backing continues to yield highly positive results.
Olajide expressed strong optimism that the club possesses the deep experience, solid organisational structure, and fierce competitive spirit required to represent Nigeria creditably on the challenging continental stage.
Closing his media address, the federal lawmaker urged local residents and global supporters to rally behind the team. He stressed that collective community support is vital as elite preparations begin for the upcoming African campaign.
