THE new Assistant Coach of Shooting Stars Sports Club, Ibadan, Oyo State, Akin Olowokere, on Monday morning, slumped and died.
He was one of the recently appointed coaches at 3SC.
As of press time, there were no official reports on what led to his death.
However, eyewitnesses told this newspaper in Ibadan, the state capital, that “he slumped on the pitch during the team’s Monday morning training session and was rushed to the hospital.
“He was, however, confirmed dead at the hospital where he was rushed to.”
It was further gathered that the former Sunshine Stars of Akure player and later tactician went down while in action, attracting medical attention immediately, after which he was rushed to an undisclosed hospital.
He was recently unveiled as one of the coaches of the Oluyole Warriors after the club parted ways with the Gbenga Ogunbote-led coaching crew.
The soft-spoken gaffer was for years a regular player with his state club, Sunshine Stars of Akure, before taking up a coaching job.
He recently served as an assistant coach with the club under head coach Edith Agoye.
Meanwhile, the management of the 3SC has expressed shock and profound sadness over his passing.
The management in a statement in Ibadan, said, “It is with deep shock and profound sadness that 3SC announces the passing of our beloved Coach, Olowokere, who tragically slumped and passed away on the pitch this morning (Monday).
“Olowokere was not only a dedicated and passionate football tactician, but also a mentor, friend, and father figure to the players and many others.
“He exhibited compassion within his short stint with the club and the wider football community. His commitment to the growth and success of our team was unwavering, as we hope his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”
The management, therefore, extended its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, players, and the entire Nigerian football family during this difficult time.
“We stand with them in prayers and solidarity, and we pray for the strength to bear this painful loss,” the statement added.
Also, the state chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria has sympathised with the management of the club.
SWAN, in a statement by its Secretary, Boluwaji Ogunmola, said, “It is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Olowokere of 3SC, who slumped and passed away on the pitch.