Shooting Stars look set to secure a new deal for striker Sodiq Ibrahim after his standout showing in the NPFL season.
Despite joining mid-season, Ibrahim became top scorer with six goals, earning trust as a key part of 3SC’s rebuild plan.
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) is reportedly on the verge of handing a new contract to their standout performer, Sodiq Ibrahim, following an impressive showing in the just-concluded Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
The former Sunshine Stars striker joined the Ibadan-based outfit midway through last season but quickly stamped his authority on the team’s attack. Despite joining during the second half of the campaign, Ibrahim emerged as the club’s leading goal scorer, netting six times and becoming a key figure under head coach Gbenga Ogunbote.
Ibrahim’s contribution was a rare bright spot in what was otherwise a disappointing season for the Oluyole Warriors, who failed to meet their performance targets and finished well below expectations. With the new season fast approaching, club officials are keen to retain their star man as part of a larger effort to rebuild and re-energize the squad.
Sources close to the club confirm that discussions over a contract renewal are at an advanced stage, with both parties eager to finalize terms that will see Ibrahim stay beyond his initial short-term deal. His performance has reportedly earned him the full trust of the coaching crew and fans alike, making him a central figure in the club’s forward planning.
Having previously plied his trade with Sunshine Stars, Ibrahim arrived at Shooting Stars with modest expectations. However, his consistent finishing, pace, and ability to link up with teammates in the final third quickly endeared him to supporters at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, who has been tasked with rebuilding the team’s identity and competitiveness, is believed to view Ibrahim as a cornerstone of his tactical setup for the 2025/2026 NPFL season. With the team aiming to bounce back stronger, the forward’s presence will be vital in anchoring the attacking unit.
Ibrahim’s potential contract extension also aligns with the club’s broader recruitment strategy. The management is actively working to plug weaknesses exposed last season and intends to build around key performers who have already proven their worth. In a league where stability and chemistry often dictate success, keeping a player of Ibrahim’s caliber could prove crucial.
In the meantime, Shooting Stars continues to monitor transfer targets across the league and is expected to make several additions before the start of preseason. Reinforcing both the midfield and backline is high on their agenda, but locking in Ibrahim’s future appears to be a top priority.
For the player himself, staying in Ibadan offers continuity and a chance to solidify his legacy with one of Nigeria’s most historic football clubs. With increased responsibility and likely improved terms, Ibrahim could be primed for his most productive NPFL season yet.
As fans await the club’s official announcement, hopes are high that the upcoming campaign will be far more rewarding than the last. With a proven goal scorer like Sodiq Ibrahim ready to lead the charge, Shooting Stars may finally be poised to reclaim their status as a top-tier contender in Nigerian football.
