Dombraye Prioritises Smart City Project Ahead of NNL Campaign

Posted : 13 October 2026

Head Coach of Smart City FC, Eddy Lord Dombraye, says his immediate priority is to build a competitive team capable of navigating the challenges of the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Dombraye, who recently signed a one-season contract with the Lagos-based club, acknowledged the demands of the second-tier competition, describing it as a difficult league where teams must perform consistently both at home and away.

The former Lobi Stars and Gombe United coach said Smart City would approach the campaign with determination, despite facing several experienced sides in Conference B.

He noted that winning home matches alone would not guarantee success in a league where every team is competing for promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

According to him, the club is concentrating on assembling a squad capable of competing effectively against its opponents.

Asked whether Smart City had the quality to secure promotion, Dombraye declined to make bold predictions, insisting that his attention remained on preparing his own team.

“I don't know what other teams have; I just want to concentrate on my team,” he said.

Smart City face a challenging Conference B lineup featuring Beyond Limits of Ogun, former NNL champions; Solution FC of Awka; Akwa United of Uyo, former NPFL champions and CAF competition campaigners; and Abakaliki FC of Ebonyi, Federation Cup finalists.

Other teams in the conference are Right-2-Win of Abia and Dokkar Khairu FC of Osun, both making their NNL debuts, alongside experienced campaigners Ekiti United and former NPFL side Bayelsa United.

The composition of the group is expected to test Smart City's consistency and ability to compete against clubs with varying levels of experience in the Nigerian league system.

Dombraye, a former Bendel Insurance and Super Eagles forward, also reaffirmed his commitment to Smart City despite reports that two NPFL clubs had made enquiries about his availability.

The coach, who holds a UEFA A Licence and has previous experience in the top flight, said he remained focused on fulfilling his current contractual obligations.

“At this moment, I have a contract with Smart City, and for now, all my loyalty is with Smart City,” he affirmed.

His comments underline his determination to concentrate on the Lagos club's immediate objectives as preparations intensify for the new campaign.

The 2026/2027 NNL season is scheduled to commence on Oct. 31, with participating clubs competing across four zones for a chance to earn promotion to the NPFL.

Dombraye Prioritises Smart City Project Ahead of NNL Campaign

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