Home Breaking News Tragedy Strikes Shooting Stars: Coach Akin Olowokere Dies During Training

Tragedy Strikes Shooting Stars: Coach Akin Olowokere Dies During Training

August 11, 2025

Tragedy Strikes Shooting Stars: Coach Akin Olowokere Dies During Training.

Ibadan, Oyo State – The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Akin Olowokere, a newly appointed assistant coach with the revered Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC). Coach Olowokere, a familiar and respected figure in Nigerian football circles, reportedly slumped during a training session on Monday morning at the club’s home ground in Ibadan and was later pronounced dead.

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The shocking incident unfolded as the Oluyole Warriors, as 3SC is fondly known, were undergoing their routine morning training.

Eyewitnesses present at the Lekan Salami Stadium described a moment of sudden distress when Coach Olowokere collapsed on the pitch. Medical personnel immediately attended to him, demonstrating swift response to the critical situation. He was then quickly rushed to a nearby hospital in an urgent attempt to save his life.

Despite the immediate attention and rapid transport, the efforts proved futile. He was tragically confirmed dead upon arrival at the hospital, leaving players, staff, and the entire club in profound shock and grief. The exact cause of his sudden death has not been officially disclosed at the time of this report, adding to the somber mood surrounding the club.

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Akin Olowokere had only recently joined the technical crew of Shooting Stars. His appointment was part of a significant restructuring within the club, following the departure of the previous coaching staff led by Gbenga Ogunbote.

Olowokere was officially unveiled just days ago, taking on the role of Assistant Coach alongside Ayeoba Gabriel and Shakiru Lawal, as 3SC geared up for the forthcoming 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The team was actively engaged in pre-season preparations, including participating in the 2025 ValueJet Cup, highlighting Olowokere’s very recent and active involvement with the squad.

Before his move to Shooting Stars, Coach Olowokere had a long and distinguished career, primarily associated with Sunshine Stars of Akure. He was not only a former player for the Akure-based club, where he was a regular and highly regarded figure for many years, but also transitioned into coaching within the same setup.

He previously served as an assistant coach at Sunshine Stars, notably under the guidance of head coach Edith Agoye. His journey from player to tactician earned him respect for his dedication and deep understanding of the game.

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The sudden loss of Coach Olowokere has sent ripples of sadness across Nigerian football. Early statements from Shooting Stars Sports Club acknowledged him as “not only a dedicated and passionate football tactician, but also a mentor, friend, and father figure to the players and many others.”

The club emphasized his “compassion within his short stint with the club and the wider football community,” and his “unwavering commitment to the growth and success of our team.”

His unexpected demise serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of life and highlights the need for continued vigilance regarding the health and well-being of athletes and coaching staff, even in the professional sporting environment. The football community will undoubtedly feel the void left by Coach Akin Olowokere, a man who dedicated his life to the beautiful game.

Condolences have begun pouring in for his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire Nigerian football fraternity during this incredibly difficult time.