Folabi Ojekunle – a.k.a. Foley, has exclusively revealed to Completesports.com that getting the privilege to manage Kogi United is the greatest challenge of his fledgling football coaching career.
Foley, a UEFA B License holder from the Irish Football Federation, was recently unveiled by Kogi State Executive Governor, Yahaya Bello, as the new Technical Adviser of the third tier Nigerian league, NLO, side, Kogi United, following the club’s relegation from the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the end of the 2020/2021 season.
The former ABS Ilorin gaffer who also had coaching spells at youth team of EPL club, Tottenham Hot Spur, as well as Udala FC ofAwka, Anambra State, replaced Abdulsalad Aliyu (Ariki) at Kogi United.
With the club set to reconvene on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, for preparation ahead the 2021/2022 campaign, Foley says his immediate task is to steer the club back to the second tier league, NNL.
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“I must say that at this point, the task at hand poses great challenge to my career,” starts the 46-year-old.
“This is a club held in very high esteem by the people and government of Kogi State. They are very passionate about it and want the very best results. Of course, the target is to return the club to the top league.”
Foley added: “It is not impossible, but I must say I am ready for the challenge. I’m pleased with what I’ve seen so far. The people here are friendly, accommodating, supportive. The club’s ambition matches mine and this is key.
“We will regroup on Tuesday (November 2, 2021) to start preparation for the season. No, there is nothing like open screening. We have players invited who will get a look-in. You won’t believe it that already, some players from Kwara United, Niger Tornadoes, ABS have indicated interest in playing for us.”
Foley penned a two year deal with the Confluence Town side and believes that he can achieve positive things within the period.
“My mandate is to return the club to the NNL and then we target the top league. We are going to take it one at a time. For now, I want to get a good assemblage of players with the right mentality, who would share positively my coaching philosophy,” he stated.
“From there, we take it up. I’m grateful to Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Adoza Bello; CSO to his Excellency Alhaji Abdulmalik Suleiman and Chairman of Kogi United Honourable Abdulmalik Isah Dolly. I can only repay them with results.”
