Samuel Omamofe Columbus, President of Dino Sporting Club, shared his insights on Nigerian football and his experiences as a club owner in a recent interview. He emphasized the need for financial independence and a renewed focus on grassroots development for the growth of the sport in Nigeria.
Columbus, a former footballer whose career was cut short by injury, established Dino Sporting Club out of passion. He described the challenges of running a football club in Nigeria, including initial mistakes in player selection, which he later corrected by focusing on younger players in the U15 range. Despite the challenges, the club has seen some success, with several players progressing to European clubs, generating both joy and revenue.
Columbus’s background includes education in Lagos State, brief studies at Lagos State University, and professional courses, including football management. He was also a FIFA agent but relinquished his role due to conflicts of interest with club ownership.
He believes that the decline of Nigerian teams on continental and global stages stems from a deviation from established plans and structures, particularly at the grassroots level. He strongly advocates for reinvesting in grassroots programs like the Principals Cup and local tournaments, stating that “grassroots football is the solution to Nigerian football challenges.”
Explaining the unique name of his club, Columbus revealed that his friends used to call him “Dino Baggio” during his playing days. He expressed gratitude to his wife for her unwavering support, including financial assistance during challenging times.
Regarding Nigeria’s potential failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Columbus emphasized the importance of passion and honor in representing the nation. He recalled the successful era under Clemens Westerhof, highlighting his vision, support from the NFF and government, and the smooth transitions to subsequent coaches. He advocated for hiring a coach with a 4-5 year development plan, emphasizing that “football is like a marathon. The development takes time.”
Columbus also addressed the issue of recycling older players in Nigerian clubs. He praised Hon. Kunle Soname’s contributions and called for greater private investment in the NPFL, recognizing football as a “multi-billion dollar business.”
When asked about his personal preferences, Columbus mentioned Jos and Akwa Ibom in Nigeria, as well as Dubai and Belgium, as his favorite holiday spots. He expressed optimism about the future of Dino Sporting Club. If stranded in the desert, he would take his Bible, a football, and water. His favorite local teams are Remo Stars and Enugu Rangers, while he enjoys watching Manchester City and Arsenal play beautiful football, despite being a Manchester United fan.
Finally, Columbus expressed his approval of the new Lagos FA board led by Hajji Gafar Liameed, describing him as a visionary and a “thoroughbred football technocrat” who has been instrumental to his team’s success. He believes Liameed is “the best thing to have happened to football in Lagos State.”
The key takeaway from the interview is Columbus’s strong belief that financial independence and a renewed focus on grassroots development are crucial for the resurgence of Nigerian football. He advocates for greater private investment in the league and a long-term vision for national team development.
