Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has vehemently rejected accusations of match-fixing following a radio host’s allegations during a sports programme aired on an Ibadan-based station.
The host claimed that the club deliberately squandered a two-goal lead against Katsina United and intentionally lost to Remo Stars, suggesting that the team had sold out both matches.
In a statement issued on Friday, the club described the allegations as “baseless and barbaric,” expressing outrage at the unprofessional conduct of the presenter.
The club clarified that no official from Shooting Stars had granted an interview to the radio station in question. Additionally, the club disputed the claim that its chairman, Babatunde Olaniyan “Akoro,” attempted to bribe referees, and corrected the record regarding the Katsina United match, stating that it ended in a 1-0 defeat, not a 2-2 draw as alleged.
The radio host further suggested that the club had sold out other matches, including those against Lobi Stars and Remo Stars, and cited a referee who allegedly claimed that players were involved in match-fixing.
Shooting Stars categorically denied these assertions, demanding concrete evidence from the presenter to substantiate his claims.
The club warned of potential legal action should the presenter fail to provide such evidence.
In its statement, Shooting Stars reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the integrity of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and pledged to continue striving for better results in the remaining fixtures of the season.
The club expressed regret over the season’s challenges but emphasized its dedication to preserving its reputation and that of Nigerian football.
This incident adds to a series of controversies surrounding the club. In March 2025, Shooting Stars were expelled from the Federation Cup after fielding five ineligible players in a match against Zamfara United.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) cited the use of forged player licenses and disqualified the club from the competition.
Despite these challenges, Shooting Stars remains a prominent club in Nigerian football, with a rich history and a dedicated fan base.
The club’s management continues to navigate the complexities of the league while striving to restore its standing both on and off the pitch.
