The Grand Patron of Telu Football Club and the Oluwo of Iwoland, His Imperial Majesty, Ọba (Dr.) AbdulRasheed Adewale Akanbi, on Friday afternoon officially unveiled Coach Ganiyu Atere as the new Head Coach of Telu FC. The unveiling ceremony, held at the royal palace in Iwo, was a symbolic and strategic step toward strengthening the club’s technical direction and competitive ambition.
Speaking during the unveiling, Kabiesi Oluwo reaffirmed his passion for youth empowerment and sports development, charging the new coach to uphold professionalism, discipline, and excellence as Telu FC prepares for a demanding football calendar. The royal father emphasized that football remains a vital tool for engaging young people positively and projecting Iwoland on the national sporting stage.
Coach Ganiyu Atere, a son of former Nigeria National Team player Fatai Atere, brings both pedigree and purpose to the role. His appointment blends football legacy with modern coaching knowledge, positioning him as a fitting choice to lead the club into a new era of structured growth and competitive relevance.
Academically sound and professionally trained, Coach Atere is a Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic, where he studied Banking and Finance. He further deepened his football expertise at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), earning a Special Coaching Certificate in Football in 2024. He is also currently pursuing a Professional Certificate in Sports Management, expected to be completed this year, equipping him with strong administrative and leadership skills essential for modern football management.
A highly dedicated football coach and manager, Coach Ganiyu Atere is known for his commitment to player development, team leadership, and character building. His coaching philosophy prioritizes teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and academic balance, with a strong focus on nurturing young talents and preparing them for higher levels of the game. His hunger to elevate football programs from grassroots to professional stages aligns perfectly with Telu FC’s long-term vision.
Following his unveiling, attention now turns to competitive action, as Telu Football Club is set to participate in three major competitions in 2026. The club will feature in the President Federation Cup in February, the Nation-Wide League One (NLO 1) in April, and the Nation-Wide League Two (NLO 2) in July.
The President Federation Cup will serve as Coach Ganiyu Atere’s first official task, presenting an immediate opportunity for him to stamp his authority, assess his squad, and lay a solid foundation for the challenges ahead. The competition is expected to test the team’s readiness and provide valuable momentum as the club prepares for the rigours of the national league campaigns.
Stakeholders, club officials, and football enthusiasts have expressed strong optimism that under Coach Atere’s leadership, Telu FC will approach these competitions with renewed focus, tactical discipline, and competitive spirit. With royal backing, professional guidance, and a clear roadmap, Telu Football Club appears poised for a progressive and impactful season.
