Ahead of the 2024/2025 Nigeria National League season, Osun United Football Club is taking a proactive approach to foster sportsmanship among fans, coaches, and staff.
Under the leadership of Honourable Gbenga Ololade, the club has appointed seasoned sports journalist Sunday Agunbiade, widely known as “Mr. VAR,” to conduct a seminar addressing fan behavior, crowd control, and the importance of healthy player-staff relations.
“Officiating and fans’ behavior are like seismic twins; if not managed properly, these aspects can bring our football’s reputation to disrepute.” – Sunday Agunbiade, a.k.a. “Mr. VAR”
Agunbiade, an alumnus of Obafemi Awolowo University with extensive experience in Nigerian sports media, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from his role on the Media Committee of the Delta 2022 National Sports Festival. His appointment underscores Osun United’s commitment to maintaining high standards of conduct on and off the pitch.
The pre-season seminar, scheduled for October 29, 2024, at the club’s headquarters, aims to prepare fans and staff alike for the rigors and expectations of the upcoming season.
“It’s no longer news that the Most Important League kicks off on November 30, 2024,” announced Honourable Ololade. “We’re holding this seminar to ensure all our supporters, coaches, players, media, and management know what’s expected of them. Mr. VAR is an ideal choice due to his extensive experience and commitment to addressing issues around sportsmanship and crowd management.”
Osun United’s Community Relations Manager, Alhaji Abimbola Gbenga Rafiu, emphasized that the choice of Agunbiade reflects the club’s dedication to promoting discipline and decorum.
“Sunday Agunbiade brings a blunt, credible voice to Nigerian sports analysis, and we believe our participants will benefit immensely from his expertise,” Rafiu said.
In his response, Agunbiade expressed gratitude for the opportunity, vowing to contribute meaningfully. “Officiating and fan behavior are like seismic twins,” he noted. “If not managed properly, these aspects can bring our football’s reputation to disrepute. I’m ready to play my part in ensuring Osun United sets the standard.”
The seminar will feature additional facilitators, including referees, management staff, and community leaders, all united in Osun United’s mission to promote respect, teamwork, and discipline in Nigerian football.
