Dino Sporting Club President, Samuel Columbus Omamofe, remains optimistic about the club’s future, despite its already impressive achievements.
Founded in 2016, Dino Sporting Club has grown into one of Nigeria’s premier football academies, standing alongside the likes of Beyond Limits.
“When I started Dino Sporting Club, it was an entirely new experience. I chose to establish the academy in Ogun State because I wanted a more secluded and secure environment,” Omamofe told the club’s media team.
“We secured proper camping facilities in Abeokuta, and in 2016, we held an open trial and a three-day screening exercise at Legacy Pitch. We returned to Abeokuta with 50 players.”
Reflecting on the club’s early days, Omamofe admitted it wasn’t an easy journey.
“As a matter of fact, the journey hasn’t been smooth. In the early stages, I made a few mistakes, which I was able to correct over time. For instance, I realized I should have started with younger players in the U15 age range, whom we could have developed into stars over the years.”
Under Omamofe’s leadership, Dino Sporting Club has clinched several titles, including the Creative Championship League Cup and the Supremacy Cup. The club also finished as runners-up twice in the TCC League Cup and competed at the prestigious Viareggio Cup in Italy.
Additionally, Dino Sporting Club has produced several players who have gone on to excel in the Nigerian top flight and European leagues, including Ogonna Hyacinth, who signed for Belgian side Westerlo.
“We’ve enjoyed some measure of success, with about five players performing well at various European clubs. That has brought joy and revenue to the club,” he said with a smile.
Omamofe credited his achievements to divine guidance and unwavering support from his wife.
“First of all, I want to thank God. And, of course, a big thank you to my wife, who has been very supportive. There were times I had to borrow money from her to keep the football business going. She’s been steadfast in her faith and has grown alongside the vision.
“Sometimes, I have to travel for days, both within and outside Nigeria, for this business. In the end, we share the benefits of this work together.”
While 2024 has been a productive year for Dino Sporting Club, Omamofe is already setting his sights on achieving even greater milestones in 2025.
“The future is bright and dazzling. It can only get better and brighter. Right now, all eyes are on Dino Sporting Club. It’s been a good story, and we thank God for that,” he concluded.
