Paul Offor, the former head coach of Sporting Lagos, has written a heartfelt message to the club after being dismissed.
Sporting Lagos dismissed Offor on Wednesday night after a tumultuous debut season in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).
The promising coach led the club to promotion from the Nigeria National League (NNL) last season, less than a year after its establishment.
Sporting Lagos found themselves in the relegation zone during the first half of the season, but their performance has improved significantly in the latter half.
Offor’s final match as being in charge of the team was a 1-0 victory against Sunshine Stars on Tuesday.
Offor expressed his gratitude to all the players, management, and individuals who played a part in his successful 15 months tenure at the club.
“After 15 months spent together, I thought long and hard on the best way to say goodbye to this amazing football club Sporting Lagos.
“It felt like home since the first time I arrived. I owe my gratitude to the players and staff who welcomed me right from the start,” he wrote.
“More specifically, I want to thank all the players who worked under me from the national league to NPFL. Together, we made magic!
“Special thanks to Mr. Godwin Enakhena, Coach Paul Aigbogun, Ayobami Animasahun, Yemisi Cole, and Nneoma Ukandu for their support. To the Sporting Lagos media team led by David Odunlami, I love you guys.
“Together, we brought Premier League football back to Lagos. We made Lagos a fortress. Thank you for the constant 12th-man support. I am forever grateful. I love you,” he added.
“Finally, to the amazing Sporting Lagos fans, thank you for rooting for me and the boys. Thank you for always speaking to us. Thank you for creating a special atmosphere for us to fight for the badge.
“Thank you to Shola Akinlade, Ekene Agu, and Fola Olatunji-David for the faith and trust you placed in me; owning an institution like Sporting Lagos brings a lot of responsibility but you constantly showed interest in the wellbeing of everyone in the club.
“I can’t mention all the amazing people in this amazing club but I specifically thank Mr Vincent Enakhena (kits and equipment manager), John Olowookere (masseur), Mr Sunday (Mobolaji Johnson Stadium), and Mr Ola (Legacy Pitch) for their unconditional support,” he remarked.
