Shooting Stars Sporting Director Adepoju Tobi has sharply criticised NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye over the state of playing surfaces across the league, insisting that poor pitch standards are harming players and draining club resources.
Adepoju revealed that four Shooting Stars players have suffered injuries linked to substandard pitches approved for league matches. He stated that one player sustained a serious injury in Bauchi which required surgery costing more than three million naira. He added that three more players picked up injuries during their match in Ilorin, with medical expenses still unknown.
In a post on his official X account, Adepoju addressed the NPFL chairman directly. He claimed he had considered writing an open letter but opted against it. He then highlighted the financial and physical toll these injuries have placed on the club and appealed for urgent improvements to pitch standards.
Dear NPFL Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye,
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) November 24, 2025
I want to write an open letter but I’m sure you will start calling again. So, I won’t write sir.
However, I just want to inform you sir, the pitches you approved for NPFL matches have got four (4) of my players injured, one in Bauchi…
Adepoju’s remarks have reignited the debate surrounding facility quality in the NPFL as concerns grow about player safety, club welfare and the league’s image.
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