Defenders Gbolade Adelowo and Adeleye Aniyikaye have returned to Shooting Stars Sports Club 3SC after an expected transfer to Qatar’s Akrahaba SC fell through. Following a successful trial at the end of the 2023/24 season, both central defenders were set to join the Qatari club. However, recruitment policies in Qatar prevented the deal from materialising, with a restriction that limits each club to a maximum of seven foreign players, including two under 23 players.
Gbolade Adelowo, who played every game of the last Nigerian Premier Football League season and was named 3SC’s player of the year, had formed a solid defensive partnership with Aniyikaye. Together, they played a pivotal role in lifting Shooting Stars from a challenging start to a respectable league finish. Both players are now back in training with 3SC under coach Gbenga Ogunbote, resuming their roles as the team’s defensive backbone.
Editorial
The return of Adelowo and Aniyikaye to Shooting Stars raises questions about the difficulties faced by African players seeking opportunities abroad. Despite their talent and achievements at home, players often encounter stringent foreign recruitment policies in other leagues. The case of these two defenders exemplifies the need for local clubs to remain resilient and resourceful in the face of talent retention challenges.
While it’s disappointing for both players to miss out on their Qatari opportunity, their return could prove to be a boon for 3SC, especially as they prepare for the upcoming season. As a strong defensive duo, they will likely bring valuable stability to the team, providing the Ibadan club with a competitive edge in the league.
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As fans of African football, we hope to see more clubs and leagues work towards policies that support emerging talents globally, allowing skilled players the opportunity to showcase their talents without limitations. For now, however, 3SC’s gain is undeniable, and supporters will be eager to see how this defensive duo continues to bolster the team’s ambitions.
Did You Know?
- Gbolade Adelowo has played 38 consecutive games in the Nigeria Premier Football League without missing a match, a rare feat that showcases his durability and consistency.
- The Qatar Stars League enforces a rule that caps foreign players at seven per club, with at least two players required to be under 23 years old.
- Adeleye Aniyikaye was part of Nigeria’s national team squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, adding valuable experience to his local league play.
- Shooting Stars Sports Club 3SC, based in Ibadan, is one of Nigeria’s oldest football clubs, founded in 1950.
- 3SC’s nickname, The Oluyole Warriors, is derived from Ibadan’s historical identity, underscoring the team’s deep local roots and fanbase loyalty.
