Former Super Eagles international Eddy Lord Dombraye is determined to return to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), revealing that his coaching journey in Nigeria’s top division remains unfinished despite his controversial departure from Lobi Stars.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, the former Nigerian league top scorer identified his new assignment at Smart City FC as an opportunity to work his way back into the country’s highest football division.
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Dombraye, who was dismissed during his previous coaching spell with Lobi Stars, questioned the circumstances surrounding his departure, particularly given the team’s league position at the time.
He also recalled that intervention from the deputy governor failed to prevent his dismissal, while the club chairman was reportedly removed shortly afterwards.
However, rather than allowing that experience to discourage him, Dombraye has set himself a fresh challenge.
His immediate target is to guide Smart City from the Nigeria National League (NNL) into the NPFL within one year.
The former striker believes achieving promotion would provide another opportunity to demonstrate his coaching abilities at the highest domestic level.
Dombraye’s ambition comes with considerable experience of Nigerian football, having played for clubs including Bendel Insurance before moving to Europe.
His career took him through Poland, Serbia and Ukraine, exposing him to different football environments.
Now working from the technical area, he wants to build a team capable of competing for promotion while implementing a flexible playing philosophy.
Dombraye explained that his approach prioritises possession football to create space, although he is prepared to adopt a more direct style when circumstances demand it.
Beyond his personal ambitions, the coach expressed concern about the constant movement of players between Nigerian clubs.
He argued that frequent departures make long-term planning difficult for coaches and disrupt the understanding developed between teammates.
Dombraye also acknowledged the financial realities encouraging Nigerian players to pursue opportunities abroad, drawing from his own experience of leaving the domestic league for better earnings.
For the former international, returning to the NPFL is therefore about more than securing another coaching position.
It represents an opportunity to complete a chapter he believes ended prematurely.
But first, he must deliver promotion with Smart City.
