In a move that signals the dawn of a new era for Alaska Football Club, a third-tier Nationwide League side based in Osogbo, the club has officially unveiled Abdulazeez Abdulrazaq, popularly known as “Hoppers,” as their new head coach. The seasoned tactician, who previously led Osun Babes, has signed a two-year deal that will see him steer the club’s fortunes until 2026.
The announcement was met with great enthusiasm by the club’s management and fans alike. In a telephone conversation with Futball Naija correspondents, the club’s president, Mr. Abidoye Musbau, who resides in the United States, expressed his excitement over the new appointment. “My aim is to escalate the club to greater heights and bring glory to the club. We also aim to achieve excellence and development on and off the field by being the premier community-based football club in Southwest Nigeria,” Musbau said, emphasizing the club’s vision for success.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place in Osogbo, was attended by key members of the club, including the General Manager, Adeyemi Kazeem Adedapo, and several backroom staff. During the event, Mr. Kazeem Adedapo shared his optimism about the future of Alaska FC under the leadership of Coach Hoppers. “We want to welcome Coach Hoppers to Alaska FC,” he remarked in a chat with Futball Naija. “We have secured a disciplinarian, loyal, courageous, dedicated, and charismatic coach in Hoppers. He is here to lead the coaching crew.”
The appointment of Coach Hoppers does not signal a complete overhaul of the coaching staff. Mr. Kazeem Adedapo assured that Coach OKON, a respected figure within the club, would remain as an assistant coach. “Coach OKON is still with us. He is a very good coach and very loyal to the club. We love him and want him in the team as an assistant coach,” he stated, highlighting the club’s commitment to continuity while embracing new leadership.
For Alaska FC, the goal is clear: to gain promotion to the Nigerian National League (NNL) and establish the club as a formidable force in Nigerian football. “We are excited to have landed Hoppers on a two-year deal, and we hope that together we can move this great club forward. We want to gain promotion to the NNL by God’s grace,” Mr. Kazeem Adedapo concluded.
In his first official statement as head coach, Abdulrazaq “Hoppers” expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and the trust placed in him by the club’s management. “I feel great and honored for this opportunity, and I want to use this medium to appreciate and thank the president of Alaska Football Club for the opportunity and the confidence reposed in me to tutor the affairs of Alaska FC,” he said.
Coach Hoppers is aware of the challenges that lie ahead but remains confident in his ability to build a competitive team. “I want to assure the management of the team that I am ready and set to contribute my own quota towards developing the team and to produce a good team that can be capable of challenging any team at any level. I need the support of the management and the teeming fans for us to be able to reach our set target. May Almighty God help us,” he concluded.
