Offa Football Club, a Kwara State-based team in the Nigeria Nationwide League One NLO 1, has announced the appointment of Coach Folorunsho Stephen John as their new head coach. The club is optimistic that his arrival marks the beginning of a new era focused on tactical growth and structured development.
Coach Folorunsho, a former goalkeeper trainee at Sunshine Stars, holds a CAF coaching licence and graduated from the National Institute of Sports NIS in 2012. He has earned multiple certifications from both Nigerian and international football programs.
His coaching journey includes time under respected NPFL figures like Deji Ayeni, Emmanuel Dutch of Cameroon, and Edith Agoye. Between 2021 and 2024, he was part of the Sunshine Stars technical staff, refining his approach to modern football management.
Before joining Offa FC, he also worked with clubs at different tiers including Rising Sun FC NLO 2, Afe Babalola FC NNL, and FK Lepaja FC's Nigeria Academy, associated with the Latvian top division.
Known for his calm leadership and tactical adaptability, Folorunsho places emphasis on discipline, teamwork, and system-based football. His appointment is expected to strengthen Offa FC’s performance and ambition in NLO 1.
Editorial
The appointment of Coach Folorunsho Stephen John signals a positive shift in Offa FC’s approach to development. In a league where many teams struggle to find experienced and technically grounded coaches, Folorunsho stands out not just for his qualifications but for his journey.
From local grassroots football to European academy structures, his path reflects a blend of local insight and global perspective. More importantly, his grounding under top NPFL managers speaks to his capacity to learn, adapt, and lead. Offa FC’s faith in him shows a commitment to sustainable football built on discipline, identity, and tactical coherence.
At a time when many lower-tier Nigerian clubs are content with short-term fixes, Offa FC seems to be investing in long-term stability. If given time and resources, Coach Folorunsho could transform this club into more than just a league participant. He could help shape a system that produces players and football that fans are proud of.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria Nationwide League One NLO is the third tier of football in Nigeria and is known for nurturing grassroots talent.
- Sunshine Stars, where Folorunsho trained and coached, play in the Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL.
- The National Institute of Sports NIS in Nigeria is the premier institution for training sports professionals and coaches in West Africa.
- FK Liepaja is a Latvian club whose academy operates satellite training centres abroad, including Nigeria.
- Offa, the home of Offa FC, also hosts the Nigerian Polytechnic Games NIPOGA, making it a growing hub for sports development.
