Nigerian football is in mourning after suffering two devastating losses within 24 hours — the deaths of Coach Osun, 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 Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots 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” in his football journey.
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Coach Osun, a respected ex-international and key pillar of SmartCity’s technical team, passed away on Monday. Hours later, Coach Olowokere collapsed during a 3SC training session in Ibadan and could not be revived.
Hon. Adeboye, visibly moved as he attended Olowokere’s burial in Ibadan on Tuesday, said these back-to-back tragedies are a painful reminder of the human side of football.
“We are not just talking about coaches here — we are talking about brothers, mentors, and leaders who gave everything to the game,” he said. “Coach Osun was not only a great professional but part of my football family at SmartCity. Coach Olowokere was an embodiment of passion and service. Losing both in such a short time is a heavy blow.”
The SSA called for nationwide solidarity with the bereaved families and stressed the importance of providing tangible support in their time of grief.
“Football is a family, and now more than ever, we must stand together. These men served Nigerian football with distinction; let us ensure their families are not left behind,” he added.
Tributes have poured in from across the sports community for both coaches, with 3SC praising Olowokere’s compassion and leadership, and SmartCity FC hailing Osun’s tactical brilliance and dedication to youth development.
Hon. Adeboye urged Nigerian players, coaches, and fans to honour their memory by carrying forward the same dedication and love for the game that both men displayed until their final days.
“We have lost giants,” he said. “But their legacy will live on in every young player they inspired.”
