Shooting Stars midfield general sets sights on NPFL exit with Tanzania trial

Shooting Stars midfielder Ayobami Junior has been linked with a move away from the Nigeria Premier Football League to the Tanzania Mainland Premier League, Soccernet.ng reports.

A report circulating in the Nigerian football community reveals that the 25-year-old is set to join a club in Tanzania which has not yet been disclosed by the player himself.

However, Soccernet.ng reached out to the media officer to confirm the story, which revealed that Junior had only told the club he is going for a trial in Tanzania and nothing has been made official.

“I wouldn’t say anything has been made official. He only told us he was going for a trial. I can’t say much on that” he told Soccernet.ng

Junior played a crucial role in Gbenga Ogunbote’s 2023-24 NPFL campaign, which ended on a high note, with just a point separating Shooting Stars from a CAF continental tournament ticket.

However, he could not contribute in the final match against Sporting Lagos, which ended in a 1-0 victory for Shooting Stars, as he missed the game due to his trip to trial at the East African club.

Apologies for the poor update.

It was due to unstable network.

Good effort, though not good enough.

A good fight all the same. pic.twitter.com/3pW3AmRdxh

— Shooting Stars SC (@ShootingSc) June 23, 2024

If the move becomes official, it would mean that “Agba,” as nicknamed by Shooting Stars fans, will join Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu, who is also playing in the Tanzanian league, having joined from Bendel Insurance.

Tanzania is increasingly attracting Nigerian footballers, evidenced by the recent moves of goalkeeper John Noble and Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu to the league last season.

It is expected that Ayobami will continue his impressive performance for Shooting Stars in the not-yet-disclosed club if the deal eventually materialize.