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Nigerian football is mourning after suffering two devastating losses in 24 hours: the death of the Osun coach, the former super -eagles player and technical director of Smartcity FC, and coach Akin Olowokere, newly appointed assistant coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC).
The president’s special assistant on base sports development, Hon. Adeboye Anthony Adeyinka (Zulu Authority), who is also the founder of Smartcity FC, described the tragic week as “one of the darkest moments” on his football trip.
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The Osun coach, a respected international and key pillar of the Smartcity technical team, died on Monday. Hours later, coach Olowokere collapsed during a 3SC training session in Ibadan and could not be revived.
Excmo Adeboye, visibly moved when he attended Olowokere’s funeral in Ibadan on Tuesday, he said that these consecutive tragedies are a painful reminder of the human side of football.
“We are not only talking about coaches here, we are talking about brothers, mentors and leaders who gave everything to the game,” he said. “The coach Osun was not only a great professional, but part of my football family on Smartcity. Coach Olowokere was an incarnation of passion and service. Losing in such a short time is a strong blow.”
The SSA requested national solidarity with the afflicted families and emphasized the importance of providing tangible support in its pain time.
“Football is a family, and now more than ever, we must be together. These men served Nigerian football with distinction; let’s make sure that their families are not left behind,” he added.
Taxes have become the entire sports community for both coaches, with 3SC praising Olowokere’s compassion and leadership, and Smartcity FC that welcomes Osun’s tactical brilliance and dedication to youth development.
Excmo Adeboye urged players, coaches and Nigerian fans to honor their memory by carrying the same dedication and love for the game that both men showed until their last days.
“We have lost the giants,” he said. “But his legacy will live in all the young players who inspired.”
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