Chief Bukola Olopade, Chairman and proprietor of Stormers Sports Club of Abeokuta, has vowed that with proper restructuring, planning, and complete dedication from the players and coaches, the relegated club will soon return to the Nigeria National League NNL. Following a disappointing 2023/2024 season, where Stormers SC amassed only 24 points in 22 matches in Group A of the NNL, they were relegated to the Nationwide League.
The team’s underwhelming performance saw them winning only seven matches, losing twelve, and drawing three, placing them at the bottom of their group. Stormers SC scored 16 goals and conceded 10, a record insufficient to maintain their position in the professional league. In stark contrast, Group A champions Madiba FC finished with 40 points, having won 18 matches, lost six, and drawn six.
Olopade, a former Commissioner of Youth and Sports in Ogun State, expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance. He emphasized the need for positive changes within the club to achieve greatness. Speaking from his office in Lagos, Olopade declared that the relegation was a failure on the part of the technical crew and players.
He assured that the new plans for the 2024/2025 campaign would see Stormers SC returning to the NNL sooner than expected. The ultimate goal is to get promoted back to the NNL, step up to the premier league, and play prominently in the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL. Olopade believes that with hard work and investment in young players, this goal is achievable.
Editorial
In the competitive world of football, setbacks are inevitable, but the response to these challenges defines a team’s true character. The recent relegation of Stormers Sports Club from the NNL to the Nationwide League is undoubtedly a significant setback. However, it also presents an opportunity for reflection, restructuring, and resurgence. We understand the disappointment felt by the team, the management, and the fans. However, we must also recognize the commitment and vision articulated by Chief Bukola Olopade.
Restructuring a football team is no small feat. It requires meticulous planning, strategic investment, and unwavering dedication from all stakeholders. Olopade’s promise to overhaul the team and implement positive changes speaks volumes about his leadership and commitment to the club’s future. The 2023/2024 season’s performance highlighted areas needing improvement, particularly in the technical crew and player performances. Addressing these issues head on is crucial for the club’s swift return to the NNL.
The focus on promoting young talent is a particularly encouraging aspect of Olopade’s plan. Investing in youth not only ensures a pipeline of skilled players but also instils a sense of loyalty and long-term commitment to the club. As we look ahead to the 2024/2025 campaign, it is essential to maintain a positive outlook and support the team through this transformative period. The journey back to the NNL will be challenging, but with collective effort, Stormers SC can achieve its goals.
We believe that Stormers SC has the potential to rise above this setback. The dedication of the management, coaches, and players, coupled with strategic planning and support from fans, can propel the team back to the professional league. This relegation should serve as a catalyst for renewed vigour and determination. We remain optimistic about the future and eagerly anticipate the resurgence of Stormers Sports Club.
Did You Know?
- The Nigeria National League NNL is the second-tier football league in Nigeria, just below the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL.
- Stormers FC was established in 2005 and has since been an integral part of Nigerian football.
- Chief Bukola Olopade, the club’s proprietor, is a well known sports administrator and former Commissioner of Youth and Sports in Ogun State.
- The Nationwide League, where Stormers SC has been relegated, serves as the third tier of the Nigerian football league system.
- Madiba FC, the champions of NNL Group A, are known for their strong defensive record and tactical prowess on the field.
