Tragedy Hits Shooting Stars as Newly Appointed Assistant Coach, Akin Olowokere, Slumps and Dies During Training
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Akin Olowokere, the newly appointed Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), Ibadan, Oyo State. The former Sunshine Stars of Akure player and tactician reportedly slumped on the pitch during a training session on Monday morning and was later confirmed dead at the hospital.

Eyewitnesses at the Oluyole Warriors’ training ground told reporters that the incident happened in the middle of the team’s morning session. “He slumped on the pitch during training and was immediately attended to by medical personnel before being rushed to the hospital,” one source said. Sadly, doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement had been issued by Shooting Stars or the Oyo State Sports Council on the exact cause of death. However, sources within the club confirmed that the tragedy occurred swiftly and without prior signs of ill health, leaving players, coaches, and staff in deep shock.

Olowokere was only recently unveiled as one of the new coaches of 3SC following the club’s decision to part ways with the Gbenga Ogunbote-led technical crew. Known for his calm demeanour and tactical acumen, he was expected to bring fresh energy and ideas to the team as they prepared for the upcoming season.

Before venturing fully into coaching, Olowokere had an illustrious playing career, most notably as a regular for Sunshine Stars of Akure, his home-state club. He later transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant to head coach Edith Agoye during his tenure at the Akure side. His appointment at 3SC was seen as a major step in his career, with many in the football circle tipping him for a bright future in management.

Tributes have begun to pour in from former teammates, coaches, and fans, many describing him as a dedicated professional, a gentleman, and a passionate advocate for the development of Nigerian football.

The Nigerian football fraternity, already grappling with several recent losses, now faces another painful blow. Olowokere’s death serves as a grim reminder of the need for regular health checks and improved medical preparedness at sporting events and training grounds.

Details about funeral arrangements and an official autopsy report are expected in the coming days. For now, the Oluyole Warriors are left to mourn a coach whose tenure, filled with promise, has been tragically cut short.

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