AYENI: NEW CROWN FC PLAYERS CAN SURPASS LAST SEASON’S SUPER 8 HEROICS, DELIVERS STRONG MESSAGE TO FANS

-
By Oluseyi Adedire
Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews
Facebook: Oyo Sports Update
As Crown FC of Ogbomoso prepare to open their 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) campaign against Heartland FC of Owerri at the Soun Stadium, Technical Adviser Coach Alexander Ayodeji Ayeni says his revamped squad is ready to deliver another remarkable season. After steering the Ajilete Warriors to their first NNL Super 8 appearance in over a decade last season, Ayeni believes his new group of players can exceed expectations, with patience, support and belief from the fans.
AYENI CONFIDENT IN NEW RECRUITS
Reflecting on last season’s impressive run, Ayeni explained that squad changes are a natural part of football. Yet, he is convinced that the reinforcements brought in fit perfectly into the team’s evolving philosophy.
“Players will go and players will come; that’s football,” he said. “We made new injections into the team based on our style of play. I believe these present crops of players can give even more than what we had last season. All we need is prayer, motivation and support from every angle.”
TEAMWORK GROWING AFTER INTENSE PRE-SEASON
Building from that foundation, Crown FC engaged in an extensive pre-season programme that included a camp in Sagamu, a tribute match in Ibadan, a friendly against ABS FC in Ilorin, and numerous training sessions. According to Ayeni, these activities have accelerated the team’s tactical understanding.
“When you are preparing for the league, so many things must be put in place,” he noted. “The tactical ideas we’ve introduced are gradually being absorbed. Rome wasn’t built in a day, performance grows stage by stage. From what we’ve seen in the friendly matches, the players are integrating well into our philosophy. With all the work we have done, I believe it will reflect tomorrow and in subsequent matches.”
‘THERE ARE MORE FALOLUS AND JONATHANS HERE’ - AYENI RESPONDS TO STAR POWER CONCERNS
Addressing questions about the departure of last season’s standout players like Wasiu Falolu and Jonathan, Ayeni emphasized that unknown talents can always rise with the right development.
“Those players you mentioned, who knew them before last season?” he asked. “They came from nowhere. We trained them, integrated them and prepared them, and today they are fan favourites. I’m telling you there are thousands of Falolus and Jonathans in this team. All they need is support.”
He urged the fans to be patient as the new recruits settle in, noting that even last season’s stars did not perform at peak level immediately.
“Those ones that left have played their part. Now we must pray and support these new ones, so that soon we will be talking about them the way we talk about last season’s heroes.”
‘THIS TEAM WILL GO FAR AGAIN’ - A FAMILIAR ASSURANCE
Ayeni recalled how he predicted a strong campaign last season even after Crown FC lost their opening match away to Warri Wolves. His words came true, and he believes the pattern could repeat itself.
“When someone starts building a house, you don’t see the beauty until the finishing stage,” he explained. “The same applies to the team. Just as I said last season that we would go far, I am saying it again, this team will rise gradually, from simple to complex, and we will reach the zenith of the result we desire by God’s grace.”
CONCLUSION: A CALL FOR PATIENCE, FAITH AND SUPPORT
With the new NNL season set to begin, Ayeni’s final message was directed straight at the fans, supporters and stakeholders of Crown FC.
“I beg the indulgence of our fans: please be patient, support us and pray for this team,” he appealed. “Last season, nobody gave us a chance, but the players became the toast of everyone. Just like them, many of these new players are unknown today; but with patience, clear support and a positive mindset, we will definitely get there by God’s grace.”
As Crown FC step onto the pitch for another journey, Ayeni believes the foundation is strong, the vision is clear, and the ambition remains unchanged: to surpass last season’s achievements and write another chapter of success for the Ajilete Warriors.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

JUST IN: 3SC PART WAYS WITH GBENGA OGUNBOTE, DIMEJI LAWAL, AND THE ENTIRE TECHNICAL CREW

-
Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) has officially parted ways with its technical adviser, Gbenga Ogunbote, General Manager Dimeji Lawal, and the entire technical crew, effective immediately. Ogunbote rejoined the Oluyole Warriors on August 22nd, 2022, for a third stint following the completion of his one-year contract with Remo Stars, the then league champions. His time with the club has now concluded after two years and eleven months. During his tenure, he led the team to several notable achievements, including winning the Doxy Nmobuosi Super Cup, the Oyo State Federation Cup, and the Seyi Makinde Football Volunteer Movement trophy. The decision follows a challenging second half of the 2024/25 Nigeria Professional Football League season, where the team recorded 4 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses in 18 matches, eventually finishing in eighth position. Earlier this month, a top official had denied reports linking Ogunbo...
Read more

PRESIDENT FED CUP: 3SC THROWN OUT FOR FIELDING INELIGIBLE PLAYERS IN ROUND 64

-
Image
By Oluseyi Adedire Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews FB: Oyo Sports Update Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan have been kicked out of the 2025 President Federation Cup for fielding ineligible players in their first-round match against Zamfara United FC. The Oluyole Warriors, after their qualification to round 32 early this morning without kicking the ball, following the refusal of Zamfara United FC to show up for the round of 64 fixture at the Area 3 field, Abuja have been expelled from the oldest football competition in Nigeria. In a letter signed by the director for competition, Ruth David, on behalf of the Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary. Five players who were not registered with the Nigeria Football Federation for this year edition were fielded in today's match against Zamfara United. The letter reads: "It has come to our attention that your club fielded five [5] ineligible players who are not registered with the NFF for this edition of the competition....
Read more

SHOOTING STARS SC APPOINTS BUNMI FADAYOMI AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

-
Image
Shooting Stars Sports Club has appointed Bunmi Fadayomi as its new Chief Operating Officer, as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts to elevate the club’s performance on and off the field. A seasoned marketing communications expert with over 25 years of experience across West and Central Africa, Fadayomi brings deep expertise in strategy, brand building, and consumer engagement. He has led multi-million dollar campaigns across telecom, FMCG, entertainment, and beverage sectors, including key roles in sports sponsorship and fan activation. Most recently, Fadayomi served as Project Director for Razzl’s $1.5 million AFCON 2024 sponsorship rollout, overseeing operations across stadiums in multiple cities. His extensive experience in coordinating high-impact sporting events makes him well-positioned to help modernize and commercialize the 3SC brand. Executive Chairman Hon. Taiwo Lekan Salami noted, “Bunmi’s appointment reflects our vision to strengthen 3SC’s operational backbone and unl...
Read more