Imama Amapakabo linked with Shooting Stars coaching role

Shooting Stars are searching for a new head coach following the departure of Nurudeen Aweroro earlier this week. The club has identified former Super Eagles assistant coach Imama Amapakabo as a primary candidate for the position.

Amapakabo, 57, previously led Enugu Rangers to the league title in 2016. He has been managing Abia Warriors since 2024, where he secured a seventh-place finish in the Nigerian top flight. His profile also includes a stint managing the Nigeria U23 national team.

The search for a successor comes after the club decided to part ways with Aweroro. Despite guiding the Oluyole Warriors to a third-place finish last season and securing continental football for the first time in 27 years, Aweroro was let go. The club finished the previous campaign just eight points behind champions Enugu Rangers.

Aweroro stated that the decision was based on concerns regarding his ability to manage the dual demands of domestic league fixtures and continental competition. He noted that he accepted the mutual agreement to end his tenure after being told the club felt he could not meet those specific requirements.

Appointing Amapakabo may require negotiating his release from Abia Warriors. If these discussions fail, the club is also considering Salisu Yusuf, another former Super Eagles coach, as an alternative option.

The vacancy at the Lekan Salami Stadium must be filled quickly, as the new Nigeria Premier Football League season is scheduled to begin in approximately two weeks.