Sports
THE Oyo State Government has announced the appointment of Fatai Akande as the new technical director of Crown FC.
Akande’s unveiling was done by the state Commissioner for Sports, Alhaja Wasilat Adegoke, in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The commissioner said that the appointment was to restructure and strengthen the technical prowess of the Ogbomoso-based side ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season.
According to the commissioner, Akande is expected to consolidate on the club’s history and drive the promotion agenda back to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
She expressed hope in Akande’s homecoming to explore the commercial side of the game, which she claimed had become a big business.
This, she said, would help the government to benefit from its huge investment in sports.
Responding, Akande appreciated the Oyo State Government for the trust reposed in him.
He promised to build on the club’s past achievements and work toward taking it back to the elite division.
“The task is clear: build, compete and win.
“I am ready to give my best to ensure Crown FC returns to where it belongs,” Akande said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Akande steps into the role with vast experience in grassroots football and team building.
Until his appointment, he served as the National Coordinator of the Football Coaches Association of African Nations (FCAAN), the largest assemblage of coaches on the continent.
Akande has a proven track record of taking clubs up the ladder, having guided three different clubs, including Ijebu United, to promotion.
He had also played for both Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) and Crown FC before moving abroad.
Akande holds a degree in Electrical Electronics from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
He is a CAF B License holder, FCAAN B certified, and also possesses an FA Learning Coaching Certificate.
In addition, he has a certificate in Sports Medicine from the Olympic Committee and several other coaching qualifications.
However, with pre-season preparations underway, all eyes will be on Akande to inject fresh energy, discipline and direction as the club chases NPFL promotion. (NAN)
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Tags: Crown FC Fatai Akande Oyo Government Technical Director