Psychologist Kehinde Adeyemi has appealed to supporters of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) to be patient with the team's technical crew. He urged fans to resist personal attacks on members of the coaching staff, particularly the club's Director of Football, Tobi Adepoju, and Coach Salisu Yusuf. Adeyemi emphasized that the team's early-season struggles are not unusual in football.
Adeyemi, an English FA-trained football psychologist, defended Adepoju against criticism, explaining the responsibilities of a Director of Football in the modern game. He noted that the position is primarily advisory and administrative, focusing on ensuring the right personnel are recruited to manage the team. Adeyemi stressed that Adepoju should not be targeted for criticism.
The psychologist acknowledged the emotional attachment supporters have to the club and admitted feeling disappointment when the team fails to win. He urged fans to understand that things will get better soon, citing the long league season ahead. Adeyemi emphasized that qualifying for continental football is not solely about early-season performance.
Adeyemi identified chance conversion as one of the team's major concerns, rather than a lack of organization or creativity. He pointed out that Shooting Stars have created several scoring opportunities but have struggled to convert them. This, he believes, is a key area for improvement.
Adeyemi expressed confidence in Coach Salisu Yusuf's ability, describing him as an experienced tactician with over two decades of coaching experience. Yusuf has worked with several leading Nigerian clubs, including Kano Pillars, Rangers International, and Enyimba. He has also served as an assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
Yusuf's impressive coaching pedigree includes guiding the home-based Super Eagles to the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Morocco in 2018. Adeyemi believes Yusuf's experience, knowledge of Nigerian football, and track record of developing local players make him well-equipped to lead Shooting Stars through the challenges of the season.
Adeyemi, also the Director of Sports at Olabisi Onabanjo University, urged supporters to channel their passion into constructive support for the team. He insisted that the ultimate judgment on the team's performance should come at the end of the campaign, rather than after the opening few fixtures. The league season is still in its early stages, with 31 matches remaining.
Key points
- Psychologist Kehinde Adeyemi urges Shooting Stars fans to be patient with the team's technical crew amid early-season struggles.
- Adeyemi defends Director of Football Tobi Adepoju, explaining his primarily advisory and administrative role.
- Coach Salisu Yusuf's experience and track record make him well-equipped to lead Shooting Stars through the challenges of the season.
