Nigerian midfielder Ayobami Junior has completed a free transfer to Algerian Ligue 1 side USM Khenchela (USMK) following the expiration of his contract with Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
The 27-year-old leaves the Oluyole Warriors after establishing himself as one of the club’s most influential performers during the 2025/26 NPFL season. His consistency, creativity, and work rate attracted interest from several clubs, including teams in the United Arab Emirates, but the midfielder ultimately opted for a move to Algeria.
Sports247 reports that Shooting Stars made efforts to retain the experienced midfielder by offering him a new contract. However, Ayobami chose to pursue a fresh challenge in North African football, where he is expected to strengthen USM Khenchela’s midfield ahead of the new Algerian Ligue 1 campaign.
Ayobami’s departure follows a series of standout performances that underlined his importance to the Ibadan-based club. One of his most memorable displays came in Shooting Stars’ 4-2 victory over Warri Wolves, where he registered three assists, becoming the first player to record three assists in a single NPFL match since Abdulrasheed Dabai of Niger Tornadoes achieved the feat against Plateau United on Matchday 9 of the previous season.
Beyond his attacking contributions, Ayobami was a key figure throughout the campaign, finishing with 2,666 league minutes, the joint-highest playing time in the Shooting Stars squad. His durability, tactical discipline, and ability to dictate the tempo of matches made him one of the NPFL’s most reliable midfielders.
The move to USM Khenchela represents another important step in his career and reflects the increasing appeal of North African leagues for Nigerian players seeking greater exposure and competitive opportunities.
For Shooting Stars, his exit leaves a significant void in midfield, with the club expected to strengthen the department before the start of the 2026/27 NPFL season.
Ayobami will now aim to make an immediate impact in Algeria, where his experience, vision, and proven playmaking ability could make him a valuable asset for USM Khenchela as they prepare for the challenges of the upcoming campaign.
