NPFL: Shooting Stars reacts as former player Alimi allege harassment during clash with Remo Stars

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Shooting Stars have condemned the physical harassment of Remo Stars forward, Sikiru Alimi by some unidentified fans.

Alimi complained on his X handle that some fans physically assaulted him after the matchday 26 encounter in Ibadan.

The Oluyole Warriors expressed disappointment with the actions of the small section of the club’s supporters.

“We learned of the harassment on the person of Remo Stars’ striker, Sikiru Alimi, by some unidentified fans after Sunday’s match at the Lekan Salami Stadium,” the club wrote on their X handle.

“If it truly happened, it is hugely unacceptable and we as a club, condemn the act in its totality.

“Sikiru Alimi is a professional player who we hold in high esteem, moreso he was once our player.

“Our General Manager, Dimeji Lawal even spoke with him on Monday morning immediately after he got wind of the incident.

“We regret the unfortunate incident and we use this medium to apologise to the striker, who is currently one of Nigeria’s best forwards on the domestic scene.”

Alimi played for Shooting Stars last season before moving to Remo Stars at the start of the current campaign.

The striker, who was on the roster of 3SC last season, was sent off for a second bookable offence as Remo lost 2-0 courtesy of a brace by former Heartland man Christian Pyagbara.

The defeat and sending-off was, however, made worse for the 27-year-old, who bemoaned his nightmarish experience on his return to Ibadan.

“I don’t know what you were told or what you all heard, but the harassments were unnecessary and uncalled for to a former player,” Alimi posted via his X account after the game.

 “I have been a professional footballer for 10 years and thank GOD I have also played in different countries and derbies. I know the bants and boos are also part of the game, but tonight I was ‘physically harassed’,” he said in another post.

Remo Media Officer Dimeji Oshode also affirmed that the player was treated inhumanly by the fans of his former club.

 “The embarrassment was much, to the extent that some of their fans had to spit and pour him water. Disappointed! You got your victory, move on. Victory you haven’t gotten over your rival since 2017,” Oshode also wrote on X.

In a viral video that was also reposted by the player, 3SC fans were also heard chanting, “Alimi, ole!” repeatedly. Meaning ‘Alimi, thief!,’

Alimi will now miss Remo’s visit to Gombe United on Sunday and that could see him left behind again in the NPFL Golden Boot race.

He is currently on 11 goals and behind Plateau United’s Albert Hilary and Enyimba’s Chijoke Mbaoma, who have both scored 12 goals each.