Dombraye Returns to Nigerian Football With Smart City Promotion Mission

Posted : 10 September 2026

Former Super Eagles international Eddy Lord Dombraye is set for a fresh chapter in Nigerian football management after taking charge as Technical Adviser of Smart City FC of Lagos ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria National League (NNL) season.

Dombraye was unveiled by the Lagos-based club after signing a one-year contract, with an option for renewal, and will be responsible for guiding the team in its determined bid to secure promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

The appointment marks Dombraye’s return to the domestic football spotlight after building considerable playing and coaching experience in Nigeria and Europe.

As a player, Dombraye featured for clubs in Nigeria before moving abroad, where he had spells in Poland, the former Yugoslavia and Ukraine. He also represented Nigeria at the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship and earned a senior cap for the Super Eagles.

He later switched to coaching and obtained UEFA coaching qualifications in Europe before returning to Nigeria, where he took charge of Lobi Stars as Technical Adviser.

His experience across different football environments is now expected to prove valuable as he takes on Smart City’s promotion challenge.

The former international was formally welcomed by key members of the club’s management team, including Chief Operating Officer Betiku Seun Soji, Team Manager Adebiyi Adejare Ojo and Sporting Director Abiodun Obafemi, MON.

Dombraye’s arrival is the latest step in Smart City’s efforts to strengthen the club ahead of the new NNL campaign.

The Lagos outfit has been reshaping its football and administrative structures, with Sporting Director Obafemi previously declaring promotion to the NPFL as the club’s principal objective for the season.

For Dombraye, the task will be to translate his experience into results on the pitch and build a team capable of competing for one of the coveted promotion places.

Smart City’s management believes the appointment adds the technical leadership required to complement the club’s growing administrative and sporting structure.

With Soji overseeing operations, Ojo managing the team and Obafemi directing the sporting project, Dombraye will now have the responsibility of turning the club’s promotion ambition into reality.

The new season therefore presents an opportunity for both coach and club: Dombraye to re-establish himself at the forefront of Nigerian football management, and Smart City to finally make the leap from the NNL to the country’s top flight.

Dombraye Returns to Nigerian Football With Smart City Promotion Mission

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics