5 days ago
3
Shooting Stars SC Technical Adviser, Salisu Yusuf, says he left Benin Republic top-flight club Coton FC by mutual agreement before returning to Nigeria, Completesports.com reports.
The 64-year-old manager signed a two-year contract with Coton FC ahead of the 2025/2026 season, shortly after rescuing Nasarawa United from relegation in the 2024/2025 EuroMatch–NPFL campaign.
However, following a successful 2025/2026 campaign, the veteran tactician, who had previously managed top Nigerian clubs such as Rangers, Kano Pillars and Nasarawa United, departed the Beninese side and returned to Nigeria. He is now in charge of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.
Why Coton FC And Yusuf Parted Ways
Before Shooting Stars’ 2–0 defeat to Kun Khalifat in last Sunday’s 2026/2027 EuroMatch–NPFL Matchday 8 fixture in Owerri, Yusuf told Completesports.com that although he had signed an initial two-year contract with Coton FC, he parted ways with the club by mutual agreement.
Also Read: NPFL: Shooting Stars Name Salisu Yusuf New Technical Adviser
“Yes, it’s true that I had an initial two-year contract with Coton FC. But I left them by mutual agreement,” Salisu said.
Yusuf explained that he enjoyed a good working relationship with the club’s hierarchy and operated in a healthy working environment, adding that his departure was not the result of any disagreement.
Coton FC is owned by Lionel Talon, the eldest son of former Benin Republic President Patrice Talon. Following Patrice Talon’s departure from office in May 2026, the club’s owner decided against continuing to run the team at a high-profile level.
“So, at that point, we decided and agreed to part ways,” Salisu added.
Although Coton FC remains in the Benin Republic’s top division, the club now operates more as a talent identification and development centre, which is commonly referred to as a football academy.
Coach Chooses Shooting Stars Despite NPFL Other Interest
The former Super Eagles head coach disclosed that several unnamed Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs expressed interest in his services following his return to the country.
“But eventually, I decided to come over to Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC),” he concluded.
Sab Osuji is a veteran sports journalist with over 35 years of experience in sports reporting. He has worked with several media houses, mainly in print journalism, and has built a long career covering major sporting events in Nigeria and around the world. Sab has covered several international football competitions, including the CAF Champions League, CAF Confederation Cup, FIFA U20 World Cup, Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. He has also reported from the All Africa Games and other major sporting events. With his extensive experience in sports journalism, Sab brings strong knowledge of football, sports reporting, and the stories behind major competitions. Through his work with Complete Sports, he continues to provide readers with sports news, match reports, and updates from the world of football.
English (US) ·