…Appeals to Governor Ododo, well-to-do individuals to help in addressing some challenges facing the club
By: Emmanuel Abuh.
The Team Manager, Kogi United Football Club, Mr. Michael Itodo Olachene has reiterated his commitment to setting a new standard and building a lasting legacy for the team, in line with global rules of football whether from FIFA, continental bodies, or national associations.
Mr. Olachene stated this in his address during the occasion of the 31st Anniversary of Kogi United Football Club and an Account of Stewardship of the Restructured Management in Lokoja.
The Team Manager expressed his readiness to work with the players, technical staff, management team, and the people of Kogi State, both at home and abroad, to take the club to the heights it deserves.
“Kogi United does not belong to any single individual—whether myself, Itodo Michael Olachene, or Chairman, Hon. Abdulmalik Isah—it belongs to all of us. I therefore appeal to everyone, especially those blessed with wealth, influence, or connections, to join us in this cause. We must look beyond the notion that this is merely a state‑run team; we cannot continue to depend solely on government support. By God’s guidance, we have already identified several partners whom we will meet soon to secure the club’s future. Your attention and support are greatly appreciated”.
According to him, “Our aim is to set a new standard and build a lasting legacy for Kogi United. Like every organization, we have our own brand and operating model, and we must adapt the global rules of football—whether from FIFA, continental bodies, or national associations—to suit our local context. Kogi United is no exception”.
He said over the past four months, the management has undertaken a modest but vital restructuring and achieved a lot including the dissolution and Player Screening, relocation and renovation of camp, building partnerships with relevant clubs and stakeholders in Sports sector among others.
Mr. Olachene noted that the manage team is working round the clock at ensuring that Kogi United FC returns to the Nigeria National League and beyond, and appealed to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo to look into the renovation of the Confluence Stadium and current remuneration for players, which he noted is insufficient to retain top talent and attract promising players.
He also noted that lack of Mobility and unrenovated Stadium is seriously affecting the club noting that without a dedicated team bus, the squad faces logistical hardships that affect wellbeing and morale.
“The Confluence Stadium, once among the best in the Middle Belt, suffers from poor turf and inadequate maintenance, leading to tournament rejections. Football is our chosen career, and we aspire to excel on its pitch and bring pride to our state”, he said.
“These issues impede the cultivation of a strong team culture and reflect poorly on both the club and the government. We humbly appeal to your compassionate administration to intervene and help us overcome these obstacles. By doing so, Kogi State can inscribe its name in gold in the realm of sports.
We remain eternally grateful and look forward to a new dawn for football and sports in Kogi State under your visionary guidance”.
He commend the Governor for his exemplary leadership and reiterated that his administration is doing well for the people of Kogi state.
The Team Manager also commended the Chairman of Kogi United Football Club, Hon. Abdulmalik Isah Dolly for his unwavering commitment to the club.
“The countless hours you devote have transformed challenges into opportunities and turned dreams into reality. We are keenly aware of the weight of responsibility you bear”.
“Today’s programme concludes the 2024/2025 season. The team will now enjoy a Christmas break and resume activities in January 2026. I wish you a joyous Christmas, a safe journey home, and a prosperous New Year in advance. May God bless you all”.
