By Irom Daniel
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) have been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of their newly appointed assistant coach, Akin Olowookere, during a training session in Ijebu-Ode on Monday morning.
According to eyewitness accounts, the 47-year-old tactician collapsed while supervising drills as part of the team’s pre-season programme. Medical staff on site rushed to administer first aid before he was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
Olowookere was a respected figure in Nigerian football, having enjoyed a successful playing career as a defender with Sunshine Stars of Akure and several other NPFL clubs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his tough tackling and leadership on the pitch, he captained Sunshine Stars for two seasons and was regarded as a mentor to younger teammates.
After hanging up his boots, Olowookere transitioned seamlessly into coaching.
He earned his coaching badges through the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) programmes and later gained additional tactical training abroad.
Over the past decade, he worked with grassroots academies and state league teams, where he developed a reputation for spotting and nurturing raw talent.
His appointment at Shooting Stars in July 2025 marked a celebrated return to the NPFL coaching scene. Working under head coach Gbenga Ogunbote, Olowookere was tasked with strengthening the team’s defensive organisation and mentoring the club’s younger players.
Reports from pre-season suggested his influence was already being felt, with players praising his detailed tactical sessions and approachable nature.
News of his death has sparked shock and grief across Nigeria’s football community.
“This is a tragic loss for 3SC and for Nigerian football,” Ogunbote said in a brief statement. “Coach Olowookere was a true professional, a gentleman, and a friend. His contribution to the game went beyond the pitch.”
Former teammates and players he coached also took to social media to pay tribute. One of his protégés, former Sunshine Stars captain Dayo Ojo, described him as “a father figure who always demanded the best but cared deeply for his players.”
The exact cause of death has yet to be officially determined, but club officials say they are cooperating with medical authorities.
Olowookere is survived by his wife and three children.
