The Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has announced the immediate suspension of the management and technical crew of Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso, as part of efforts to reposition the team for future success.
The affected officials, headed by the club’s Management Chairman, Mr. Olamide Ilupeju, were relieved of their duties following a directive from the ministry under the leadership of the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke.
The decision was communicated in a letter dated June 10, 2026, signed by the ministry’s Director in charge of the club, Mr. Raheem F.A., on behalf of the commissioner.
Despite the suspension, Hon. Adegoke commended Crown FC, popularly known as the Ajilete Warriors, as well as its supporters, for the club’s successful escape from relegation during the just-concluded 2025/2026 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
The commissioner further disclosed that the ministry would embark on a comprehensive restructuring and operational review of the club in preparation for the 2026/2027 NNL season.
According to the ministry, the move is intended to strengthen the club’s administration, improve its overall performance, and enhance its competitiveness ahead of the new campaign.
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.
