Coaching the Coaches: NPLCMA/AMAPRO’s Ikenne Training Elevates Tactical Standards

 

The serene town of Ikenne in Ogun State played host to an impactful gathering of elite football minds as the Nigeria Premier League Club Managers Association, NPLCMA held its Advanced Technical and Tactical Training/Workshop between June 25th and 28th, 2025. 

The event attracted top football coaches from clubs across the country, seeking to refresh their tactical understanding and embrace new dimensions in modern football coaching.

Jointly packaged by AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, the three-day intensive training session featured renowned resource persons who brought with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. 

The sessions were designed to expose participants to global best practices and the evolving methodologies in the art and science of coaching.

The event was a grand affair, graced by top dignitaries in Nigerian football. Among them were the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau; his Vice President, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye; and the Head of Technical at the NFF, Augustine Eguavoen. 

Also present were football investor and philanthropist, Honourable Kunle Soname, President of NPLCMA, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote, as well as other key stakeholders.

In his welcome address, Coach Gbenga Ogunbote expressed profound appreciation to members of the Association for taking time out of their schedules to attend the training. 

He emphasized the importance of continuous learning, stating that the workshop was not only a refresher but also a platform to align with new vistas and innovations in coaching.

In his remarks, NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau commended the NPLCMA for the initiative, describing the workshop as timely and progressive. 

He assured the Association of the Federation’s willingness to support similar future initiatives aimed at raising coaching standards in the country.

NFF Vice President and Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL board, Honourable Gbenga Elegbeleye, also praised the organizers and called for synergy between the NPFL and the NPLCMA. 

Honourable Kunle Soname encouraged the continuity of such capacity-building efforts, noting that coaching development is key to achieving football excellence at both club and national levels.

The first day of the workshop featured engaging presentations that sparked vibrant discussions. 

Mohammed ElBadary kicked things off with a lecture on "Scientific Approaches to Coaching,” challenging participants to embrace data and evidence-based strategies. 

Augustine Eguavoen followed with a rousing presentation on "Leadership and Our National Philosophy," highlighting the need for identity and direction in coaching Nigerian teams.

Coach Monday Odigie delivered a well-received session on the concepts of GRIP and GAG—modern acronyms in coaching circles—explaining how they align with player management and tactical discipline. 

The day concluded with an open-floor technical exchange session, allowing coaches to share experiences and learn from one another.

Day Two continued in the same rich vein, Shogo Shodunnke, Director of AMAPRO and Phreestyle Sport Limited, gave an insightful talk on "Communication and Relationship in Modern Coaching," where he emphasized emotional intelligence, media handling, and team cohesion. The day was rounded off with practical sessions and another round of technical exchanges.

The final day brought a highlight moment as the newly appointed Head Coach of the Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, took participants through a deep dive into "Modernized Coaching Tactics and Adaptation of Training." 

His session was interactive and forward-looking, providing attendees with tactical insights from elite-level football.

The workshop ended on a high note, with participants leaving Ikenne inspired and better equipped to face the tactical demands of modern football. 

The success of the event reinforces the NPLCMA’s commitment to excellence and sets a new benchmark for coaching development programs in Nigeria.

Dino Sporting Club president advocates financial independence to grow Nigeria football

 

Samuel Omamofe Columbus, President of Dino Sporting Club, shared his insights on Nigerian football and his experiences as a club owner in a recent interview. 

He emphasized the need for financial independence and a renewed focus on grassroots development for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.

Columbus, a former footballer whose career was cut short by injury, established Dino Sporting Club out of passion. He described the challenges of running a football club in Nigeria, including initial mistakes in player selection, which he later corrected by focusing on younger players in the U15 range. 

Despite the challenges, the club has seen some success, with several players progressing to European clubs, generating both joy and revenue.

Columbus's background includes education in Lagos State, brief studies at Lagos State University, and professional courses, including football management. 

He was also a FIFA agent but relinquished his role due to conflicts of interest with club ownership.

He believes that the decline of Nigerian teams on continental and global stages stems from a deviation from established plans and structures, particularly at the grassroots level. 

Columbus strongly advocates for reinvesting in grassroots programs like the Principals Cup and local tournaments, stating that "grassroots football is the solution to Nigerian football challenges."

Explaining the unique name of his club, Columbus revealed that his friends used to call him "Dino Baggio" during his playing days. He expressed gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support, including financial assistance during challenging times.

Regarding Nigeria's potential failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Columbus emphasized the importance of passion and honor in representing the nation. 

He recalled the successful era under Clemens Westerhof, highlighting his vision, support from the NFF and government, and the smooth transitions to subsequent coaches. 

He advocated for hiring a coach with a 4-5 year development plan, emphasizing that "football is like a marathon. The development takes time."

Columbus also addressed the issue of recycling older players in Nigerian clubs. He praised Hon. Kunle Soname's contributions and called for greater private investment in the NPFL, recognizing football as a "multi-billion dollar business."

When asked about his personal preferences, Columbus mentioned Jos and Akwa Ibom in Nigeria, as well as Dubai and Belgium, as his favorite holiday spots. He expressed optimism about the future of Dino Sporting Club. If stranded in the desert, he would take his Bible, a football, and water. His favorite local teams are Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers, while he enjoys watching Manchester City and Arsenal play beautiful football, despite being a Manchester United fan.

Finally, Columbus expressed his approval of the new Lagos FA board led by Hajji Gafar Liameed, describing him as a visionary and a "thoroughbred football technocrat" who has been instrumental to his team's success. He believes Liameed is "the best thing to have happened to football in Lagos State."

The key takeaway from the interview is Columbus's strong belief that financial independence and a renewed focus on grassroots development are crucial for the resurgence of Nigerian football. He advocates for greater private investment in the league and a long-term vision for national team development.

Sporting Sun 

FC Nwosu claims inaugural Ex Internationals Cup title as LSFA appreciates NFF, Soname others

 

The maiden edition of the Nigeria Ex-Internationals Cup 2024, organised by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), was successfully concluded Sunday, as it ended in a blaze of glory at the prestigious Mobolaji Johnson Arena.

In the final match, FC Nwosu defeated FC Ekpo, in a nail-biting penalty kicks of 6-5 after playing out a goalless 90 minutes in regulation time, to emerge winners of the giant trophy and the princely sum of N2 million.

Once again, like he did in the quater-finals and semi-finals respectively, goalkeeper Samuel Oriola of FC Nwosu, was the hero for his side as he saved two penalty kicks to gift his team the trophy.

And in its unique and refreshing style, the organisers made a resounding and unprecedented statement by ensuring that the winners received their prize monies of N2m, N1m, N500,000 and N250,000, for the first to the fourth placed teams respectively, just few hours after the conclusion of the games, to the delight of the winners, who were pleasantly surprised, as they expressed untold gratitude and appreciation to the organisers.

An elated LSFA boss, Hajji Gafar Olawale Liameed, was thankful to God and everyone who made the tournament a success. Gafar remarked gleefully, that the tournament has set an enviable benchmark for football organisation in the country, which is synonymous with the Lagos State, as the centre of excellence.

While acknowledging the supports and partnership of Bet9ja, Mavlon Football Club, Owu Sportswear, Brila Fm, Sola Akinlade of Sporting Lagos, Liigi League, Olafiranye Sports Foundation and Mr. Mahmud Dawodu.

He added that with the able supports of the LSFA board members, stakeholders, associates and potential partners, next year's edition shall be better and bigger.

Hon. Kunle Soname, CEO/ President of Bet9ja and Value jet, who was obviously impressed by the standard of play and the level of organisation of the tournament, promised to give better support to the tournament in the next edition.

The final of the tournament which was, exciting, entertaining, glitzy and glamorous, was witnessed by the creme de la creme of Nigeria football, included Chief Felix Anyansi-Agwu, 1st Vice-President of Nigeria Football Federation; Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, 2nd Vice-President of NFF;  George Aluo, Chairman of NNL; Alhaji Inuwa Ahlan, Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman Ogun State FA; Otunba Sunday Dele-Ajayi, Chairman Ondo State FA.

Others include Hon. Olalekan Fatodu, Director-General, Lagos State Sports Commission; Ademola Olajire, Director of Communications, Prince Dapo Ajibade, Mutiu Adepoju, Coach Ladan Bosso, as well as States FA Chairmen of Edo, Anambra, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Kano, Abia, Enugu and Plateau, respectively.

Chairman House Committee on Sports celebrates godfather, Soname at 58

The Chairman House Committee on Sports in the 10th Assembly, Honourable Ekene Abubakar Adams has joined family and millions of Nigerians in pouring glowing tribute on entrepreneur, philanthropist and sports enthusiast Honourable Kunle Soname as he celebrates his 58th birthday. 

Ekene, a member representing Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in Kaduna State, didn't hide his delight as he said. 

“I celebrate my 'God Father', Honourable Soname an energetic, vibrant and inspirational leader, whose philanthropic gesture towards humanity knows no bounds. 

"No doubt, Honourable Soname at 58, has contributed to the growth of Nigeria’s economy as well as youth development via the football platforms he has provided Remo Stars and Beyond Limit. 

"On this special day, I pray God to grant him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavours. Cheers to a living lege

Ogunjobi Gold Cup celebrates Sports philanthropist, Hon. Soname at 57

 

Organizers of the nation's prestigious pre-season club football tourney, Ogunjobi Gold Cup has felicitated with Honourable Kunle Soname on his 57th birthday celebration.

General Coordinator of the tournament, Tunde Shamsudeen on Thursday poured encomiums on the Ikenne-born businessman.

"I join family, the Nigerian football circle and indeed the many lives he has touched to celebrate Soname, a rear gem, perfect gentleman, business mogul, and philanthropist, whose generosity knows no bounds.

"A man who has set standards, that only a few who share the same life ideologies with him can match, as he has written his name on marble in many things he has laid his hands on from business, football and human development.

"In our sector, football, Soname represents hope for the youths as he is the biggest private investor in the beautiful game, with his multi-million naira investment on Remo Stars and Beyond Limits.

"It gives the Ogunjobi Gold Cup brand prestige to be associated with the Remo Stars President in the last 10 years, as we also celebrate him on his special day.

"Blessed with the riches of life, what I pray almighty Allah (God) for, is more years of sound health for Honourable Soname and the wisdom."

House of Reps Member-Elect Ekene Adams thanks Hon. Soname on election victory

 

Sports Administrator, now members-elect of the House of Representatives, Ekene Abubakar Adams has given glory to God as he specially thanked the President of Remo Stars Football Club of Ikenne, Honourable Kunle Soname. 

Adams will represent the good people of the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency in the 10th National Assembly and clinched his ticket under the platform of the (Labour Party) in the elections of the lower legislative chamber, held alongside the presidential on Saturday 25 February.

Adams, who was General Manager of Remo Stars before he clinched the ticket could not hide his delight after he and other 324 members-elect of the Green Chamber were presented their certificate of return by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

While speaking when he presented his certificate of return issued him by INEC as a member-elect to Soname, Ekene Adams showed encomiums on the billionaire gentleman, business mogul, philanthropist and passionate football lover.

"I give glory to God, my family and the good people for giving me the mandate to serve them in the Green Chamber. All credit goes to Soname for his father's role in my political growth.

"I must from everything that I have learnt from him (Soname) in the many years I have been with him, serve humanity. Without him, we wouldn't have been talking about this feat that I just achieved.

"Soname is not keen about 'God-Fatherism' but he is my political 'godfather, as he's a government despite not holding any position in government, he doesn't have a tribal or religious bias as he sees every Nigerian as one.

"Our philanthropic gesture is what we learnt from him as it knows no bounds. At KADA City in the NPFL four years ago, he single-handedly paid monthly salaries and other logistics, regardless the club was based in Kaduna.

"As a branch of his good works, we must emulate him by making this new government better for the common good of all Nigerians.

"We have nothing to offer Soname than to extend the hands of goods to people. My prayer to God is to keep Soname alive for Nigerians 

"Without much ado, I had to come to present my certificate of return to him, as a member-elect in the 10th National Assembly.

"I want to state here clearly that others and I, are his products and will remain his product."