Ikorodu City Boss Nurudeen Aweroro to Become Shooting Stars Coach

Nurudeen Aweroro, renowned for guiding Ikorodu City FC to an impressive fourth-place finish in their debut top-flight season, is reportedly on the cusp of being appointed head coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Ibadan. This move follows 3SC’s decision to relieve Gbenga Ogunbote of his duties, with Aweroro having reached agreement in principle on personal terms. His unveiling is expected to take place imminently at the club’s secretariat in Jericho.

Aweroro rose to prominence after being installed as Ikorodu City’s interim head coach in October 2024. At that point the side were struggling at the bottom, but he swiftly sparked a revival leading them on an unbeaten run that included cup successes and powerful league performances. Under his stewardship, the Lagos-based team amassed 43 league points placing him just behind only Remo Stars’ Daniel Ogunmodede and Enyimba’s Finidi George in the NPFL manager rankings.

The departure of Bright Ozebagbe in early October 2024 opened the door, and Aweroro’s tactical clarity, man-management and engaging style earned him full interim confirmation soon after. His ambitions included a top-five finish and deeper cup runs, all achieved with limited resources.

Editorial

We view Nurudeen Aweroro’s expected move to Shooting Stars as one grounded in merit and strategic foresight. His meteoric rise at Ikorodu City turning a floundering squad into one of the NPFL’s most competitive units demonstrates a manager with vision, discipline and adaptability.

We believe that 3SC’s decision reflects a commitment to revitalisation. Rather than opting for an established name, they have identified a coach whose fresh perspective and proven impact in challenging circumstances align with their ambition to return to prominence.

We assert that Aweroro’s appointment can catalyse transformation bringing a dynamic approach to team structuring, youth integration and match tactics. His leadership emphasises clarity, communication and belief, qualities that resonated strongly with Ikorodu City players and supporters.

We feel confident that this partnership is timely. The Oluyole Warriors need direction that channels both legacy and reinvention Aweroro’s record suggests he can deliver structural improvement and renewed energy on the touchline.

We maintain that this decision represents strategic continuity for Nigerian football: fight for impact, favour innovation over reputation, and trust in domestic talent. With now poised to lead 3SC, we expect a period of reawakening and competitive resurgence.

Did You Know?

1. Aweroro accumulated 43 NPFL league points during the 2024/25 season with Ikorodu City, placing him third among league managers on points tally just behind Remo Stars’ Daniel Ogunmodede (54 points) and Enyimba’s Finidi George (46 points).
2. He took charge as interim boss on 22 October 2024, following Bright Ozebagbe’s resignation and quickly turned around Ikorodu City’s fortunes through unbeaten league and cup runs.
3. Under his watch, Ikorodu City advanced to the semi-finals of the President Federation Cup, Nigeria’s oldest knockout competition.
4. His team’s comeback 4–2 victory over Lobi Stars one of several dramatic wins came shortly after he assumed control, signalling his tactical impact early on.
5. Aweroro has expressed ambitious targets for Ikorodu City, including NPFL title ambitions and continental qualification, aiming even higher for the 2025–26 season before his expected move.