Kabiru Tijjani Bids Emotional Farewell to Shooting Stars as He Joins Ranchers Bees
ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Onuegbu
IBADAN, Oyo State — Shooting Stars Sports Club midfielder Kabiru Tijjani has officially bid farewell to the Oluyole Warriors following his move to Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, bringing an end to his spell with the Ibadan-based Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club.
Tijjani announced his departure in an emotional farewell message addressed to the Shooting Stars family, expressing gratitude to the club, his teammates, coaches and supporters for the experiences he gathered during his time in Ibadan.
The player said leaving Shooting Stars was a difficult decision, describing his years at the club as unforgettable and acknowledging the significant role the team played in his development both on and off the pitch.
“After unforgettable years, I find it very difficult to say goodbye,” Tijjani said in his farewell message. “Writing this is tougher than any 90 minutes I have played. After years, my time at this great club has come to an end.”
The midfielder reflected on the memories created during his time with the Oluyole Warriors, highlighting the demanding training sessions, long journeys for matches, victories, defeats and moments shared with teammates in the dressing room.
According to Tijjani, those experiences helped shape his career and personality, making his departure particularly emotional.
“I am very proud of what we built together,” he added. “Thank you for every training session, every bus ride, every win, loss, and dressing room jokes. You all shaped me as a player and as a person.”
Tijjani also made it clear that his departure should not be viewed simply as an ending, describing his message as an expression of appreciation for the club and everyone who contributed to his journey.
“This is not goodbye, it’s thank you,” he stated.
He concluded his farewell by reaffirming his emotional connection to Shooting Stars, popularly known as the Oluyole Warriors.
“Once an Oluyole Warrior, forever an Oluyole Warrior,” Tijjani declared.
The move to Ranchers Bees represents a new chapter in the midfielder's career as he prepares to continue his professional football journey in Kaduna.
Shooting Stars, based in Ibadan, Oyo State, is one of Nigeria's historic football clubs and has a strong following in the South-West. The club has enjoyed a long-standing reputation in Nigerian football and remains one of the country's most recognised traditional football sides.
Ranchers Bees of Kaduna, meanwhile, is a historic Nigerian football club based in Kaduna State. The club has featured prominently in Nigerian football over the years and has been involved in efforts to return to the upper levels of the domestic game.
Tijjani's departure therefore marks a fresh transition in his career, with the player expected to bring his experience from Shooting Stars to his new club.
For Shooting Stars supporters, however, his farewell message reflects the strong bond that can develop between players and clubs beyond results on the football pitch.
While Tijjani will now wear the colours of Ranchers Bees, his message suggests that his association with the Oluyole Warriors will remain an important part of his football journey.
