Kogi United and Confluence Queens undergo major management, technical reshuffle

By Wale Mustapha

Kogi United and Confluence Queens have announced significant changes to their management and technical staff as both clubs seek to improve results in the coming football season.

Mallam Abdulmalik Issa, chairman of the boards of both clubs, revealed that Olachene Itodo has been appointed the new team manager of Kogi United, taking over from Ibrahim Tijani, who will now serve as coordinator for both Kogi United and Confluence Queens. Itodo was previously the coordinator of Kogi United’s feeder team.

In administrative moves, Joseph Oboh has been confirmed as the permanent secretary of Confluence Queens after serving in an acting role last season.

The reshuffle extends into the technical departments as well, with Coach Musa Abubakar joining Confluence Queens to assist Technical Adviser Sabo Okala.

Former Super Falcons defender Ester Michael will support the Queens as assistant coach and trainer, while Jimoh Abdulazeez has been appointed goalkeeper trainer.

Meanwhile, Bestman Ossai takes over as goalkeeper trainer for Kogi United.

In a boost for Kogi United, Muhammed Yusuf has been promoted to head coach, leading the team until a new technical adviser is appointed.

He will be supported by Abdul Bello, who has been redeployed from Confluence Queens. Veteran women’s football specialist Moses Bako has been engaged as a consultant for Confluence Queens, with Aranka Timothy taking charge of the club’s scouting unit.

Mallam Issa congratulated the appointees and redeployed officials, urging them to apply their experience and expertise to help both clubs achieve greater success next season.

Last season, Kogi United missed out on promotion to the Nigeria National League, while Confluence Queens finished in a disappointing position in the Nigeria Women’s Football League.

Samuel Ahmadu

Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. He began his career 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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