Oyo State Pillar of Sports, Mr Temitope Ademola Obideyi, has donated cash to support the medical expenses of the injured driver of Crown FC, Ogbomoso, following a road accident involving the club’s Toyota Coaster bus.
Obideyi also appealed to the Oyo State Government, led
Governor Seyi Makinde, to expedite plans to provide the club with a new Toyota Coaster bus to ensure the safety and comfort of its players and officials during away trips.
The accident occurred along the Ibadan–Ijebu-Ode route as the team travelled to participate in the AFH Pre-Season Tournament at Ebedei Stadium, Sagamu, Ogun State. Reports indicated that 35 players were on board the bus at the time of the incident.
The 10-day tournament is designed to help participating clubs prepare for the forthcoming football season.
Expressing his concern over the incident, Obideyi said he was deeply saddened
the news, particularly the injuries sustained
the club’s driver. He wished the injured official a speedy and complete recovery and expressed concern for the welfare of everyone affected
the accident.
The sports philanthropist, who is also the Chairman of the Pillar of Sports and Youth Development Foundation, extended his sympathy to Crown FC’s management, players, supporters and the entire people of Ogbomoso over the unfortunate incident.
As part of his immediate intervention, Obideyi pledged financial assistance towards the injured driver’s medical expenses, describing the gesture as a demonstration of compassion and solidarity with those contributing to the development of sports in Oyo State.
Beyond the immediate support, he urged the state government to urgently provide Crown FC with a replacement bus, stressing that reliable transportation is essential to the team’s preparations for the new Nigeria National League (NNL) season.
Crown FC, popularly known as the Ajilete Warriors, is scheduled to begin its NNL campaign on October 31, with an away fixture against Heartland FC in Owerri.
Obideyi noted that a dependable team bus would help improve the safety, comfort and general welfare of players and officials, particularly during long-distance journeys for league matches and other competitions.
He maintained that providing the club with a new bus would strengthen its operational capacity and support the continued development of football in Oyo State.
The Pillar of Sports further called on the state government and other stakeholders to rally around Crown FC during this challenging period, emphasising that the welfare and safety of players and officials must remain a priority.
He also encouraged the players not to allow the incident to derail their preparations for the forthcoming season, urging them to remain focused, united and mentally strong while giving priority to their health and recovery.
Obideyi added that participation in the AFH Pre-Season Tournament would provide the team with an opportunity to improve its tactical and technical performance ahead of the NNL campaign.
He, however, stressed that the safety and well-being of the players and officials must always come first as the club continues its preparations for the new season.
