By: Michael Odetunde

In preparation for the upcoming 2024/2025 Nigeria National League season, Osun United Football Club has announced a pre-season seminar aimed at educating football fans on sportsmanship and fan behavior. Under the leadership of Honourable Gbenga Ololade, the club has invited esteemed journalist Sunday Agunbiade, known as “Mr. VAR,” along with retired referees and other experts to lead discussions on crowd control and player-staff relationships.

A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and a member of the Media Committee for the Delta 2022 National Sports Festival, Agunbiade will address critical stakeholders in Osun State about the expectations of the league board. His lectures will cover the responsibilities of fans, club officials, and staff, as well as the potential penalties for clubs that do not meet the league’s standards.

The club’s announcement stated:

“It’s no longer news that the most important league will commence on November 30, 2024. Osun United will host a pre-season seminar on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to orient fans, coaches, staff, management, media, and players at the club office. We have selected an experienced journalist with a Master’s degree in Comparative Linguistics to lead this seminar.”

Honourable Gbenga Ololade emphasized the importance of preparing participants for the new season.

Community Relations Manager Alhaji Abimbola Gbenga Rafiu explained the decision to include Agunbiade as a resource person, highlighting the need to prevent hooliganism in the upcoming season. He stated:

“We are excited to have Sunday Agunbiade, a highly regarded reporter and insightful analyst known for his integrity across major sports platforms in Nigeria. We believe the participants will greatly benefit from his expertise. Referees and other facilitators will collaborate to ensure a successful seminar on Tuesday.”

He added, “This seminar is crucial for educating club fans, coaches, players, and media representatives on their roles as the 2024/2025 season approaches. We are committed to bringing in the best resource persons to achieve this.”

In response, Agunbiade expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, promising to approach the seminar with the seriousness it deserves. He noted the connection between officiating and fan behavior, stating that mishandling these issues could damage the reputation of Nigerian football.

The seminar will also feature various referees, coaches, and other experts, with key management staff including Alhaji Abimbola Gbenga Rafiu (Community Relations Manager), Chief Ayo Odidi (Vice Chairman/Marketing Manager), Alhaji Taoreed Olawale (Secretary), and Adebayo Adeshina (Team Manager) facilitating the event.