Nigeria football needs financial independence to grow - Omamofe

THE BIG INTERVIEW Nigeria football needs financial independence to grow - Omamofe

In this edition of THE BIG INTERVIEW, the President of Dino Sporting Club, SAMUEL OMAMOFE COLUMBUS, spoke on his life as a club owner and investor, as well as, the ways forward for Nigeria football with AKEEM BUSARI.

Enjoy the interview

Please introduce yourself

My name is Samuel Omamofe Columbus, the Chief Executive Officer of Dino Sporting Club. And originally from Delta State (Smiles). However, I was born in Lagos, where I have spent virtually all my life.

Q: Nigeria is a peculiar environment for businesses to thrive. what's the drive behind your setting up a football club?

A: For me, it's pure passion. Secondly, I was a footballer in my youthful days. After a thigh injury cut short my career, I decided to start a football club.

Q: As a club owner, what are some of the challenges, so far?

A: When I started Dino Sporting Club, it was entirely a new experience. I decided to start my academy in Ogun State because I needed a more secluded and secured environment. We secured a proper camping facility in Abeokuta and in 2016, we came to Legacy pitch, to hold an open trial and 3 days screening exercise. And we returned to Abeokuta with 50 players.

Q: Can you recall some memorable moments for you, as a club owner?

A: As a matter of fact, the journey hasn't been a smooth ride. At the early stages, I made a couple of mistakes, which I was able to correct, along the way. I realised that I'd have started with younger players in the U15 range, that we'd have built to stardom over the years. However, we've also enjoyed some measures of success, with about five players doing well in various European clubs. And that has brought some joy and revenue to the club (Smiles).

Q: Take us into your academic and family background

A: I had my primary and secondary school education in Lagos State and was briefly at Lagos State University, as well as, doing other professional courses, including a football management course. I was also a FIFA agent, but I had to terminate my roles because FIFA rules frowns at club owners, also operating as agents.

Q: Nigerian teams are no longer feared on the continental and global stages. What do you think are the problems?

A: The government and the NFF, have deviated from the plans and structures of Nigerian football. Like the Principals Cup, Ajegunle Mock Nations Cup and many other grassroots football programmes. I have said it repeatedly that grassroots football is the solution to Nigerian football challenges. The football bodies need to refocus and rechannel more energy and investment into grassroots football.

Q: The name Dino Sporting Club, is unique. Why Dino?

A:(Laughs) When I was playing, my friends used to call me Dino Baggio.

Q: Obviously, football club ownership could be financially and morally demanding. How much support are you getting from the home front?

A:Firstly, I want to say thank God. And of course, a big thank you to my wife, who has been very supportive. There're times, I had to borrow money from her to do this football business. She's been steadfast in her faith and also, grown with the vision. Sometimes, I have to travel for days within and outside Nigeria in the course of this football business. At the end of the day, we enjoy the benefits of the job together.

Q: Nigeria is facing the dangers of missing the 2026 World Cup. If you're in a position to profer advices or solutions, what do you think should be done?

A: Football is a game of passion. Therefore, playing for Nigeria must be seen as a great honour for any player. I remember that in the days of Clemens Westerhof, we had a visionary. He knew what he wanted for Nigeria football in 5 years. He also enjoyed tremendous support from the NFF and the government. When he left, we'd Bonfrere Jo, Phillipe Trousier, and you can see the transition.

Unfortunately, there's been a decline in the last 10 years in the performances of the national team. If I was in charge, I would go for a coach that comes with a 4-5 years progression plans. We must realise that football is like a marathon. The development takes time.

Q: Another problem in Nigerian football is the recycling of old players among our football clubs. What're the ways forward from this malaise?

A: In the last 20 years, we have only States-owned clubs in the Nigerian football leagues. In most of my interviews, I have always commended Hon. Kunle Soname, for all he's doing for Nigerian football. I have so much respect for him. It's time we all realise that football is multi-billion dollars business. Therefore, we need to encourage more private investors to come to the NPFL.

Q: Which is your favourite holiday spot?

A: In Nigeria, it's Jos in Plateau State. I also like Akwa Ibom, for its calmness, as well as, Dubai and Belgium.

Q: What's the future like for you, as a person?

A: The future is bright and dazzling. It can only get better and brighter. Presently, all eyes are on Dino Sporting Club. It's been a good story. Thank God.

Q: If you're to go out on a journey into the desert, what three items would you take with you?

A: I would go with my Bible, so I can communicate with my God. I would also go with a football, which is my passion, and of course, water. Which is the source of life.

Q: Which are your favourite local and foreign teams?

A: I have two favourite NPFL clubs and they are Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers. On the foreign scene, I love Manchester City, though I'm a Manchester United fan (laughs). And for all the beauty and technicalities of the game, I love watching Manchester City and Arsenal, because they play beautiful football.

Q: There's uncommon euphoria in Lagos with a new FA board led by Hajji Gafar Liameed. What's your view?

A: Yes, football is back and better in Lagos State. The new FA Chairman I a very good man. He is a visionary a thoroughbred football technocrat. He has also been very instrumental to the success of my team, so far. I tell you, he's the best thing to have happened to football in Lagos State.

Q: Let's digress again. What's your favourite local and foreign foods?

A: Since I was 10 years old, beans has been my favourite food. Beans and bread. However, when I abroad, I eat pasta.

Q: Favourite colours?

A: Black. Maybe because I'm fair in complexion. I also love white and red colours.

Q: Tell us about your family

A: I have 3 children and a very beautiful wife. You know, marriage is not a bed of roses. We have obviously passed through a lot together. Thank God, it is well.

Q: In the next five years, where do you hope to see Dino Sporting Club?

A: In the next five years, I hope to see Dino Sporting Club, as one of the biggest clubs in this part of the world. We look forward to have ourcountry stadium. As well as, having most of our boys, playing and dominating for big clubs abroad.

Q:How can the standard of the NPFL be improved?

A: I want to advise whoever is in charge of the NPFL to seek independence. Let them source for funds to run the clubs. Unfortunately, most of the clubs in our league are sponsored by various states government. Financial independence of our clubs is the key to the true growth of Nigerian football.

If I was in charge of the league, I would suspend it for like two years in order to give it a true professional structure. I shall seek for funds and give each club a loan of N1billion and payable in ten years. And with a strong and strict caveat on how the money should be spent. And essentially, it should be used to provide standard facilities and smooth ruining of the clubs.

Thanks for your time sir.

You're welcome my brother.

CREDIT: SPORTINGSUN NEWSPAPER