The management of Nigerian football club, Shooting Stars of Ibadan, Oyo State, has confirmed the death of its assistant coach, Akin Olowokere, after collapsing during a training session with the team ahead of the Valuejet pre-season match.
Olowokere, a former player with Sunshine Stars of Akure, died barely two weeks after his appointment as a member of 3SC’s technical crew ahead of the 2025-2026 league season.
According to an eyewitness, he slumped on the pitch during the team’s Monday training session at Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun State.
On discovering he had collapsed, the players and other colleagues alerted the ambulance and he was rushed to the hospital, where medical practitioners pronounced him dead.
In a statement released after the tragedy on Monday, the club’s management described the football tactician’s demise as a rude shock considering his health status.
The club lamented that despite the immediate medical services provided after Olowookere slumped, he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.
“Coach Olowokere was not only a dedicated and passionate football tactician, but also a mentor, friend, and father figure to the players and many others.
“He exhibited compassion within his short stint with the club and the wider football community. His commitment to the growth and success of our team was unwavering, as we hope his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, players, and the entire Nigerian football family during this difficult time.
“We stand with them in prayers and solidarity, and we pray for the strength to bear this painful loss”, the management added.
Mourning the demise of the coach, the Oyo chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) described the development as a devastating loss at a crucial time in the team’s push to regain its glory days.
Olowookere, recently appointed to the coaching crew, reportedly slumped and died on Monday morning during a training session with the team
In a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan by the party’s Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, APC said Olowookere’s demise was not only a personal tragedy for his family but also a blow to 3SC and the wider football community.
“We had observed the enthusiasm and passion with which the new coaching crew of the Oluyole Warriors embraced the challenge of transforming our beloved team’s fortunes after 26 years of poor performance. Coach Olowookere was expected to play a key role in this mission, but sadly, he passed away in active service.
“Our deepest condolences go to the family of the deceased, the management and staff of 3SC, and supporters of the Oluyole Warriors worldwide. May God grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” the statement said.
