I had a random conversation with Coach Okikiola Ibrahim of Ejigbo City FC and the seasoned tactician shared his thoughts with me on what he thinks about individual awards in football. Gaohzu Coach as he’s popularly called emphasized the importance of teamwork in football over personal accolades.
Coach Okikiola Ibrahim said; “Winning individual awards is good, but personally I don’t take individual awards seriously. Everybody already knows the top performers in a team; we don’t need a plaque to honor them individually. Why? Because football is a team sports! Not individual sports. We are one team, with goals, and hopes. I don’t like picking out individuals for special praise. I’ll rather praise the team effort.”
Coach Okikiola’s perspective reflect a deep commitment to fostering unity and collective success within his squad.
Check out his full profile below:
Coach Profile: Okikiola Ibrahim
Full Name: Ibraheem Okikiola M.
Current Role: Head Coach, Ejigbo City FC
Coaching Certification: Advance Coaching Certificate NIS (2021/2022)
Coach Okikiola Ibrahim brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in grassroots football. His commitment to team unity, tactical innovation, and player development makes him a standout figure in the Nationwide League One (NLO), guiding Ejigbo City FC with passion and strategic acumen.
Coaching Philosophy
Coach Okikiola Ibrahim believes in the power of unity and teamwork over individual accolades. His coaching ethos emphasizes collective success, nurturing a strong team spirit and aligning players towards shared goals. His approach combines rigorous training with tailored support, ensuring players reach their full potential on and off the pitch.
Coaching Experience
- Shabab FC Iwo (2016-2019): Head Coach
- IMO TikiTaka (2019-2020): Head Coach
- Timi Giants FC, Nationwide Division One (2021-2022): Head Coach
- Pegba 1 Sporting FC, Nationwide Division One (2023): Head Coach
- Ejigbo City FC, Nationwide Division One (2024-2025): Head Coach
Honours and Achievements
- Worldwide Media Concept Ibadan (2017): 2nd Position
- Oba Makama Competition, Kuta (2017): 1st Position
- Ogo Oyo Unity Cup (2018): 3rd Position
- Akin Ayodele Cup (2019): 3rd Position
- O.R.F.C Football Competition (2020-2021): 1st Position
- Late Yahyi Football Competition (2021-2022): 1st Position
- Orisa Oko Soccer Competition (2022-2023): 1st Position
- IWO G.F.C.C U-13 Cup (2021): 1st Position
- G.F.C.C U-15th Season (2021): 1st Position
- P. Actor U-15 Cup, Ileogbo (2022): 3rd Position
- Hammola Championship, Ido Osun (2022): 2nd Position
- Iwo Grassroots U-15 Premier League (2023/2024): 1st Position
- Adeolu U-15 Football Competition (2023/2024):
- SmartCity League, Osun State (2024): 5th Position Individual Awards
- Best Coach, Oba Makama Football Competition Kuta (2017/2018)
- Most Disciplined Coach, Ogo Oyo Competition (2018/2019)
- Best Coach of the Tournament, Olosa Oko Ife-Odan (2021/2022) Statistics and Records
- Prominent Team Contributions: Coach Ibrahim has successfully led multiple teams to top-tier finishes in various regional and grassroots competitions.
- Player Development: Under his guidance, young talents have consistently excelled, earning recognition and contributing to team success.
- Tournament Success: Achieved first-place finishes in numerous local and regional tournaments, establishing a reputation for fostering competitive and disciplined teams.
