Crown FC Apologise to Fans, Dedicate Oyo Federation Cup Triumph After Turbulent Season

In a heartfelt end-of-season message, Crown FC have extended a sincere apology to their supporters while dedicating their recent Oyo State Federation Cup victory as a token of appreciation for unwavering loyalty.

The Ajilete Warriors endured a turbulent 2025/26 campaign in the Nigeria National League, a season that tested the patience and faith of fans. Despite a bright start—highlighted by a convincing 3-0 win over Heartland FC—the team struggled for consistency, going winless in eight consecutive matches during the second stanza. This difficult run left the club battling relegation until survival was secured on the final day.

However, in a remarkable turnaround, the side led by coach Fatai Osho shifted focus to the state cup competition. Crown FC rediscovered their resilience, recording a 2-0 victory over Ibadan United in the semi-finals before edging Shooting Stars SC via a 4-2 penalty shootout in the final to clinch their first Federation Cup title in a decade.

In their official statement, the club management expressed deep regret over the team’s underwhelming league performance, acknowledging the disappointment it brought to fans, stakeholders, and the Oyo State Government led by Seyi Makinde, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke.

The club noted that a combination of factors, including changes within the technical crew and the departure of key players, contributed to the inconsistency experienced during the campaign. Assurances were, however, given that proactive measures are already in place to strengthen the squad and technical structure ahead of the new season.

In a tone of humility and gratitude, Crown FC appealed for continued support, thanking their fans and supporters for standing firmly behind the team through both difficult and triumphant moments. As a gesture of appreciation, the club dedicated the Federation Cup trophy to its loyal fanbase, recognizing their enduring belief as a driving force behind the team’s eventual success.

With lessons learned and renewed determination, the Ajilete Warriors now look ahead with optimism, aiming to reward their supporters with a more consistent and competitive performance in the seasons to come.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.

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