A former ABS technical advicer, Nassarawa United and currently Sunshine stars of Akure Coach, Suleiman Kabir Dogo (Mogaji Odo-Okun, Ilorin) is a traditional titled chief from Ilorin, Odo-Okun Community.
His traditional role didn’t affect his coaching job; he successfully combined the two and to the glory of God, he broke so many records in Nigeria Professional Football League.
As a coach, who believed in grassroot football development, Dogo started his career as a coach sometimes in the 80’s when he was in secondary school as a school prefect, footballer and coach.
He was a sports coordinator during his higher institution days while also playing active football.
He started bringing youths together in his community as a Mallam and taught them Islamic studies after school (Ilekewuu), then take them to the field in the evening to play football to empower themselves through sports.
Dogo started his professional coaching career after he had developed many talents from the grassroots, with Diskabog FC before he proceeded to Doyin Football Club of Ilorin and thereafter moved to Bukola Babes.
He was part of ABS football club right from inception till he rose to the position of technical adviser, where he played 10 matches unbeaten as the head of technical crew.
Dogo took Nassarawa United to FA cup final, played Continental with the team. He worked with Nassarawa United management for five good years and established good relationship with everyone in Nassarawa, including the state government through the deputy Governor, who took him like his friend, brother and father.
Speaking to this medium in telephone conversation at the weekend, he appreciated God and people of Nasarawa for their support. He also spoke extensively on the new challenge. The coach also talked about his family and how he was able to combine the two.
“I really appreciate everybody for believing in me for five years. I had many offers even from established teams like Enyimba FC, Kano Pillars e.t.c. but I believe so much in grassroot and breaking records.
“Those clubs mentioned above are established and already won leagues and they have also featured in Continental games with many history created.
“Therefore, I believe in creating my own history, create a big platform and work with unknown players from the grassroots, where I come from and belong, just like I started from nowhere, but I thank God for today that opportunity comes from different angle.
“I appeal to Akure people to give me little time and give me free hands to work, they should believe in me and trust in my ability as a grassroots coach, I promise not to disappoint Akure people and the football family, but they need to give us little time. God has used us to discover a number of players like Suraju Ayeleso, the best goalkeeper in 2016/2017, Azeez Shobowale, who currently plays outside the country, Seun Sogbesan and others.
“My personal life after football is so much interesting. I have always been myself as a Mallam and Magaji of my community. I have many loads on me already, so I do keep anything related to football aside and concentrate on family issues.
“I’m blessed with a beautiful wife, Alhaja Iyabo, lovely children and one big family.
“I love eating pounded yam with any soup available at my disposal, I’m not a selective type, I eat what is available. My favorite colour is white.
“What I call my wife in inner room hmmmm ‘Loughborough’ you know, I belong to old school, I call her Iyabo or use one of our children’s name to call her, I take enough water. As a Mallam I don’t drink anything alcohol but water.
“Lastly, I appreciate everyone that has contributed to my success as a coach, my fans, those who believe in me and journalists are my best friends, they call on me at anytime without giving them a kobo, all the football managers that I have worked with and those that are willing to work with me. I thank you all, God bless the Football family and God bless Nigeria”.
