Ikouwem Udo Utin set for sensational NPFL return to Shooting Stars

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian defender Ikouwem Udo Utin is set to make a sensational return to Shooting Stars ahead of the new Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, Nigeriafootball.ng reports.

Utin, who played for the Oluyole Warriors in the 2022/2023 NPFL season after his spells with Enyimba FC, is winding down his stay with Tunisian side AS Marsa in Ligue 1.

A source close to Shooting Stars’ camp hinted that Utin is eager to work with Gbenga Ogunbote again, having played under the veteran tactician at Enyimba FC. The defender won the Young Player of the Season award in the Nigerian top flight in 2018.

The Oluyole Warriors have reportedly opened negotiations with the player’s representative with the possibility of striking a deal. The Ibadan warlords are reinforcing their team to push for a continental slot next season, following their fourth-place finish in the NPFL last season.