FROM PLAYOFF HEARTBREAK TO FRESH HOPE: AYENI TASKS PLAYERS TO REWRITE HISTORY, SAYS NO AUTOMATIC SHIRTS

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By Oluseyi Adedire
Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews
Facebook: Oyo Sports Update
The Technical Adviser of Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso, Coach Alexander Ayodeji Ayeni, has charged his players to brace up for the challenges of the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season, warning that no player has an automatic place in his squad.
The Ajilete Warriors resumed training on Monday in preparation for the 2025/26 season, even as the official kick-off date is expected to be announced at the NNL Annual General Meeting (AGM) scheduled for Saturday, September 13, 2025.
Addressing his players after training, the former Akwa United coach delivered a 12-minute address that stunned many of the old and retained players. He insisted that commitment, hard work, and performance will be the only criteria for selection into the matchday squad.
“Any retained player who feels too big or assumes automatic selection is only deceiving himself. Everyone must prove their worth to be part of the team’s plans,” Ayeni declared, stressing that he will not hesitate to show the exit door to players who fail to meet the club’s expectations.
While admitting that fitness levels might be a challenge following the off-season break, Ayeni assured that the technical crew has mapped out strategies to restore players’ sharpness and match readiness.
Ayeni, who last season led Crown FC to the NNL Super 8 play-offs in Asaba, where they missed out on promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), was praised for his tactical brilliance, talent discovery, and commitment to the growth of the club. His ability to guide the team into the play-offs was widely commended, even though they fell short against Warri Wolves and Kun Khalifat FC.
The Ajilete Warriors are now aiming to build on last season’s experience under the stewardship of Ayeni, whose technical and tactical prowess continues to endear him to fans and football stakeholders in Ogbomoso and beyond.

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