Nationwide League One (NLO) club side, Daniel Football Club of Abuja, has officially announced the appointment of Coach Akanmu Salabiu Abiodun as the club’s new Head Coach ahead of the 2025/2026 football season.

 

The club’s proprietor, Mr. Daniel Felix, disclosed the appointment on Sunday, expressing confidence that Coach Abiodun’s wealth of experience and technical expertise will guide Daniel FC to new heights in the coming season.

 

“Coach Akanmu is a proven professional with a deep understanding of the game and a strong passion for developing young talent. His appointment marks a new chapter for Daniel FC as we build a competitive team that will take Nigerian football by storm,”

 

Born on March 5, 1990, in Ogun State, Abiodun — a native of Ewekoro Local Government Area — began his football career with Stationery Stores of Lagos before playing for Ebonyi Angels, Calabar Rivers, 3SC Ibadan, First Bank FC, and O.U.K Umuahia.

 

He also had a stint abroad with Baraka SSG of Conakry, Guinea, which added international experience and tactical insight to his career — attributes that have since shaped his approach to football management and youth development.

 

Following his playing days, Abiodun transitioned into coaching and has since built an impressive record at both grassroots and professional levels.

 

He holds several recognized certifications, including:

• Basic Certificate in Coaching (2021)

• FCAAN E-Certificate in Coaching (2022)

• JC International Coaching Certificate (2023)

 

He also attended the All Sports Initiatives Grassroots Football Development Conference, further enhancing his reputation for youth mentoring and talent grooming.

 

Abiodun began his coaching career at the Pepsi Football Academy (2005–2007), before taking charge of Ajayi Babes, De Royal Academy, and later Ottasolo FC, where he served as both Assistant and Head Coach in the Nigeria Nationwide League (NLO).

 

Most recently, he managed Alimosho SC in Lagos during the 2025 season, earning praise for his tactical discipline and leadership.

 

Throughout his football journey, Coach Abiodun has achieved several milestones, including:

• Winner, Coca-Cola Youth 5-Aside Cup (2005)

• Winner, Pepsi U-15 National Cup (2006)

• Third Place, Manufacturer Cup (2007)

• Winner, F5WC Lagos & National Championship (2018)

• Representative, Nigeria at F5 World Championship, Cape Town, South Africa (2018)

• Runner-up, Lagos FA Cup with Ottasolo FC (2021)

 

These achievements underline his consistency, commitment, and capacity to build competitive teams across all levels of the game.

 

Beyond the pitch, Coach Abiodun remains a strong advocate for grassroots football and youth empowerment. As the Head Coach of De Royal Football Academy since 2010, he has mentored numerous young players and promoted values of discipline, education, and professionalism in sports.

 

Speaking on his new appointment, Coach Akanmu Abiodun expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to give his best to the club:

 

“I’m honoured to join Daniel FC at this important stage of their growth. My goal is to build a strong, disciplined, and entertaining team that will make the club and its supporters proud,”