By: Christopher Emenyonu
The saga is finally over. The back and forth on who finally lands one of the most sought after midfielders in the NPFL transfer market after Enyimba, Akwa United and Bendel Insurance all toggled it out with Shooting Stars to get Malomo Taofeek’s signature.
At the end of the day, the heart had the final say. Taofeek made his decision and it was to stay at home, in Ibadan despite all the other juicy offers and new challenges he could have enjoyed in the new season.
With this, winning the transfer battle against the current and former champions of the league, it does look like Shooting Stars are gathering the arsenal for the war ahead but can Malomo lead the platoon of Warriors Gbenga Ogunbote is assembling.
Shooting Stars’ statement of intent
Since the NPFL transfer market opened, Shooting Stars have been a subject of poaching for rivals. The club has had its name mentioned in transfer reports for continuous exits. In a couple of weeks, they had lost Anthony Okachi, Sikiru Alimi, Desmond Ojietefian and Ezekiel Tamara.
Losing one of their longest serving players in Taofeek to rivals would have hit home harder for Ogunbote and the team. But then the Warriors dodged one and ensured the winger stayed back to extend his contract.
Keeping Malomo is a statement from the club. They want to keep their stars and most especially the club’s loyal players who saw them through the second division – the NNL.
The ‘Malomo’ effect
Shooting Stars gained promotion back to the NPFL in 2021. Gafar Olafimihan and Malomo Taofeek were the players who spearheaded the charge. The team went unbeaten in the regular season of the NNL and grabbed their topflight status with Malomo playing an important role.
In the first season back in the topflight, Malomo was one of the players who caught the eye. His dazzling runs, quick feets and eye for a pass made the fans love him more. Although the team did not perform exceptionally, players like Malomo ensured fans trooped into the stadium to cheer their team on in home games.
On the pitch, Malomo remains one of the players any coach can rely on as seen under the former gaffer, Edith Agoye and currently under the ‘Oracle’ Gbenga Ogunbote. Taofeek has shown that he is the kind of player a team can be built around.
Last season, he captained the team on a few occasions. He has not only become a player every attacking attempt of Shooting Stars goes through, he has become the leader of the platoon off the pitch as well.
Can he be that leader?
26 years ago! That was the last time Shooting Stars laid hands on the NPFL title and 25 years ago, the last time the Oluyole Warriors played on the continent.
These numbers show that Shooting Stars need a leader that will charge on the team to – if not the title, a continental spot. Having made a statement by breaking the bank to keep one of their own, the weight now lies on his shoulders.
But for him to carry that weight, Malomo must find that form of 2021 where he was not only assisting or creating goals, he was scoring them as well.Â
In the last 2 seasons, Malomo’s goal contribution has been poor. He has scored only a total of 7 goals in the league. But with the money spilled on his signature, he surely knows that a lot is resting on his shoulders.Â
Shooting Stars have arrow downed their opponents in the boardroom, they now expect Malomo Taofeek to gang lead the team at the war front but will he take on the responsibilities, the Oluyole Warriors faithful will be hopeful.Â
By: Christopher Emenyonu