With applications pouring in for the head coach position of the Flying Eagles of Nigeria, following the removal of Landa Bosso, two young and experienced tacticians have emerged as top contenders.
Both have impressive track records in youth football at the club level, making them strong candidates for the job.
Let’s take a closer look at Coach Olumide Ajibolade of Beyond Limits and Coach Adegun Shola of Sporting Lagos Academy, whose successes and achievements speak volumes about their capabilities.
Coach Olumide Ajibolade of Beyond Limits
Olumide Ajibolade has made a significant impact in just under 12 months with Beyond Limits. His achievements include:
– Qualifying Beyond Limits for the NNL Super 8:
Ajibolade led his team to this crucial milestone, demonstrating his strategic prowess.
– Winning the NNL Super 8 Tournament:
Under his guidance, Beyond Limits became the 2024 NNL Champions, a remarkable feat for any coach.
– Victories in The Creative Championship: Ajibolade steered his team to win The Creative Championship Cup and secured the league title for the fourth consecutive time, showcasing his consistency and excellence.
– Ogun State FA Cup Win:
Another feather in his cap, Ajibolade’s team emerged victorious in this prestigious state-level competition.
– Success in the Viareggio Cup:
His leadership brought success in Italy’s Viareggio Cup, a first for an African side, proving his ability to compete internationally.
– Promotion of Remo Stars Football sister club:
Ajibolade also played a pivotal role in securing promotion to the Nigerian top-flight league (NPFL) for Remo Stars, further underscoring his talent and versatility.
Coach Adegun Shola of Sporting Lagos Academy
Adegun Shola’s journey in youth football is equally impressive. His achievements include:
– UEFA C Licensed Coach:
Shola’s formal qualifications are a testament to his commitment to coaching excellence.
– Graduate of Computer Engineering:
With a degree from Obafemi Awolowo University, Shola brings a unique analytical approach to football coaching.
– Youth Development Focus:
Since beginning his career in 2014 as an assistant coach at Clique Sports Academy, Shola has emphasized nurturing young talent.
– Best Coach Award at the Lagos FA Cup (2016):
This accolade recognized his exceptional coaching abilities early in his career.
– Experience with Elite Academies:
Shola has worked as a youth coach at Barca Academy Lagos, an assistant technical director at AS Roma Academy Abuja, and a technical director at Mess Palace Football Academy.
– Success in the Gothia Cup:
Leading Sporting Lagos Academy to a 4-0 victory over Tokyo in the final, Shola demonstrated his capacity to achieve international success.
As the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) deliberates on the next head coach for the Flying Eagles, both Ajibolade and Shola present compelling cases. Their proven track records in youth football, ability to win titles, and international experiences make them strong candidates for this prestigious role.
