"We’ve only just begun’: Omamofe reveals plans for Dino Sporting Club in 2025

 

Dino Sporting Club President, Samuel Columbus Omamofe, remains optimistic about the club's future, despite its already impressive achievements.

Founded in 2016, Dino Sporting Club has grown into one of Nigeria's premier football academies, standing alongside the likes of Beyond Limits.

“When I started Dino Sporting Club, it was an entirely new experience. I chose to establish the academy in Ogun State because I wanted a more secluded and secure environment,” Omamofe told the club's media team.

“We secured proper camping facilities in Abeokuta, and in 2016, we held an open trial and a three-day screening exercise at Legacy Pitch. We returned to Abeokuta with 50 players.”

Reflecting on the club’s early days, Omamofe admitted it wasn’t an easy journey.

“As a matter of fact, the journey hasn’t been smooth. In the early stages, I made a few mistakes, which I was able to correct over time. For instance, I realized I should have started with younger players in the U15 age range, whom we could have developed into stars over the years.”

Under Omamofe’s leadership, Dino Sporting Club has clinched several titles, including the Creative Championship League Cup and the Supremacy Cup. The club also finished as runners-up twice in the TCC League Cup and competed at the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy.

Additionally, Dino Sporting Club has produced several players who have gone on to excel in the Nigerian top flight and European leagues, including Ogonna Hyacinth, who signed for Belgian side Westerlo.

“We’ve enjoyed some measure of success, with about five players performing well at various European clubs. That has brought joy and revenue to the club,” he said with a smile.

Omamofe credited his achievements to divine guidance and unwavering support from his wife.

“First of all, I want to thank God. And, of course, a big thank you to my wife, who has been very supportive. There were times I had to borrow money from her to keep the football business going. She’s been steadfast in her faith and has grown alongside the vision.

“Sometimes, I have to travel for days, both within and outside Nigeria, for this business. In the end, we share the benefits of this work together.”

While 2024 has been a productive year for Dino Sporting Club, Omamofe is already setting his sights on achieving even greater milestones in 2025.

“The future is bright and dazzling. It can only get better and brighter. Right now, all eyes are on Dino Sporting Club. It’s been a good story, and we thank God for that,” he concluded.

TCC Cup: Coach Gibson hails Dino SC despite draw against Real Sapphire

 

Dino Sporting Club kicked off their Creative Championship League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw against Real Sapphire in a Group A clash on Sunday.

The match ended in a stalemate after 90 minutes, marking the second draw between the two teams this season.

After a goalless first half, Dino took the lead three minutes before the hour mark when Stephen Shedrack opened his account with a well-placed low shot just inside the box. 

However, the lead was short-lived, as Real Sapphire equalized five minutes later.

Dino Sporting Club Head Coach, Godwin Gibson, spoke positively about his team’s performance despite the draw, noting that the players are still learning and improving.

"It was a very good game. The players are still developing, and we showed improvement from last week when we faced the same team. The performance today is closer to what we expect," Gibson said.

He also emphasized the need for focus after scoring. "It happens even at the highest level. We always tell the players to stay composed after scoring. Unfortunately, we had a poor reaction after the goalkeeper parried the ball, allowing the rebound due to a lack of concentration."

This result means Dino Sporting Club has now drawn all three of their matches across all competitions this season.

Meet Hyacinth Ogonna, talented footballer whose Messi's arrival at Barcelona inspired him to strive for greatness

By Wale Mustapha

For Hyacinth Ogonna, playing football remains his motivation, source of joy and avenue to become great. 

The enterprising young forward is fast becoming one of the talented players penciled for greatness in a foreseeable future. 

He arrived at Dino Sporting Club in 2017 as a relatively unknown player but quickly became the face of the fast rising youth team in Nigeria.

Ogonna recently signed a three year deal with Belgian club side, Westerlo FC to continue his development as a footballer. 

In this exclusive interview with OnwardNews24, Ogonna talked about his football journey so far, highest moments in football and source of motivation to strive for more. 

Q: What inspired you to start playing football? 

Ogonna: I started playing football at a very young age, playing football makes me happy and I enjoyed it, so I said that I will be a professional footballer, it’s what I love doing the most.

Q: Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

Ogonna: It's Lionel Messi. His story of arrival in Barcelona always motivates me. It taught me that when they doubt you prove them wrong with your best performance always. 

Q: What do you believe is the greatest challenge most athletes are facing today?

Ogonna: My perspective I think is consistency.

Q: What are your highest moments in the colors of Dino SC?

Ogonna: My highest moments in the colors of Dino SC was when we won the TCC Cup. It was a moment of greatness being able to be among the players to win a trophy for the club. It's amazing moments for me. 

Q: How much has playing in Dino influence your career and as a person?

Ogonna: Dino SC played a very big role in my life, on and off the pitch, it's helped shape my attitude, development, exposure, experience and so on, I was guided.

Dino SC is a family to me and a big thanks to Dino family.

Q: Tell us about the person, Chief Samuel Columbus and who he is to you?

Ogonna: Chief Samuel Ali Columbus is like a father to me. 

I’m really thankful to him for believing in me even when there were critics, he only saw the light in me and also showed and guided me in the right path to success. 

He treats and loves me like a son and I’m grateful to him because he's a Godsent to me.

Q: What are the preparations you think Dino has given you to be a champion?

Ogonna: I learned that to be a champion you must have a good attitude, be hard working and dedicated, be the best in what you love to do best, be exceptional, always be ready.

If you believe you can achieve anything you put your mind to it. 

Q: What are your dreams in football?

Ogonna: To play for the best teams in the world, win the world's best player, win a champions league trophy, win the World Cup with my country Nigeria, to be recognized as one of the greatest footballers of all time. 

Q: Have you set any target for yourself over there in Belgium?

Ogonna: Yes I have set my target and I believe I will achieve them.

TCC Cup: How Asogbon leads Dino Sporting Club back to winning mood

Following a disheartening loss to Broad City, Dino Sporting Club showcased their resilience with an impressive triumph in the Creative Championship League Cup. 

Under the guidance of coach Godwin Gibson, the team secured a commanding 2-0 victory against Sporting Lagos academy at the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium on Wednesday.

The momentum of the match tilted in Dino Sporting Club's favor early on as they netted both goals in the first half.

Asogbon Samuel proved to be a pivotal figure, contributing to one of the goals and leaving a significant impact on the field.

In recognition of his stellar performance, Samuel was rightfully honored as the most valuable player of the match following a compelling 90 minutes of play.

TCC League: Coach Gibson demands more from Dino Sporting Club despite bright start to new season

 

Godwin Gibson heaped praise on Dino Sporting Club's start to the season after his side thrashed Atlantic Business 4-1 in the Creative League championship at the Otunba Dipo Dina's Stadium, Ijebu Ode.

Dino SC were in total control of the match, racing to 3-0 lead at half-time but had to hold on when the visitors pulled one back, before Ogonna Hyacinth's second goal of the afternoon secured the points.

When asked if the win was a relief after last season's struggle, Gibson said :

"It was a good game, full of goals and actions,

"I'm happy all the work we did in training was transmitted to the pitch and that's good as well."

The victory is Dino SC's first home win over their neighbors, and despite scoring four time, Gibson believes his boy should have done better .

"We should have scored more, because we missed some chances , but overall we are happy to start the season on good note.

After placing second to Beyond Limits twice, Dino SC finished in disappointing 6th position last season.

"Yes, we have started well this time, and we can't relax now. We have to improve , because we have set a target for ourselves this season . So we have to keep working." Coach Gibson conclusion.

Meanwhile Dino Sporting Club have been drawn against debutants Sporting Lagos academy in the TCC League cup.

Dino SC won the cup back in 2022.

15-year-old Olaniyan wins TCC Cup 2023 title for Ikorodu-based Valiant FC

 

Gafar Olaniyan, the 15 year old Valiant FC striker, hit the ground running after he fired one goal and an assisted another to help his side beat Gbagada FC in the epic final match of the just concluded The Creative Championship Cup 'TCC 2023'.

After going behind 2-0 in the first half against Gbagada FC, fast-rising and highly inspiring youngster Olaniyan put up an eye-catching display to get his team back into the game by scoring a goal and assisting the equalizer to draw level the match 2-2 at full time before going on to win on penalties.

Gafar has been exceptionally brilliant throughout the TCC 2023 season with his exploitive speed, dribbles, and goals.

He scored against Sporting FC Lagos, Imperial FC, Dannaz FC, and also against Gbagada United in the final while also having two assists to his name throughout the competition. 

Gafar, a left-footed attacking player is making a name for himself in Lagos. The wonderkid has been exceptional this season and caught the attention of many football lovers at the Legacy Pitch, Abati Barracks, and presently, he's the fan's favorite in Imota, Ikorodu.