Vandrezzer Football Club was a professional football club in Lagos state, Nigeria, that competes in the Nigeria National League, the second tier of Nigerian Professional Football League.[1] The club was dissolved in September 2024.
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| Full name | Vandrezzer Football Club | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nickname(s) | Lions of Naija | ||
| Founded | 2019 | ||
| Stadium | Uyo Township Stadium, Uyo | ||
| Capacity | 8,000 | ||
| Owner | Joe Udofia | ||
| Manager | Olanrewaju Yemi | ||
| League | Nigeria National League | ||
| Website | https://www.vandrezzerfc.com/ | ||
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Founded in 2019, the club joined the Nigerian National League and played at Agege Stadium since (formerly at Ikot Ikpene Township Stadium) its formation. Vandrezzer FC established itself as a major force in Nigeria with the introduction of pre-match activities, live match streaming and commentary, selling of regular and premium match day and seasonal tickets, the introduction of lounges and suite in the executive box sections, implementation of top-notch sound systems in the stadium and others, as they aim to redefine the dynamics of club football in Nigeria.[2]
History
editAfter four years of sponsoring the Joe Udofia Cup,[3] a grassroots football tournament played every year-end in Ibiono Ibom, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, Vandrezzer Energy Services Limited decided to set up a proper football club.
Consequently, the company purchased playing right for Vandrezzer FC in Nigeria club second-tier division, Nigeria National League (NNL) on September 10, 2019, with the intent of advancing to the top flight – Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). On September 11, 2019, a day after the slot was bought, the club was successfully registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), as a sports business outfit under the Vandrezzer Group of Companies. The official unveiling of the club to the public, including the pioneer head coach Rafael Everton[4][5](Brazil) and his technical crew, the backroom staff, and all registered players for the inaugural season, took place on November 24, 2019, at St. Theresa Primary School, Use Abat, Ibiono-Ibom in Akwa Ibom State. The Lions made their NNL debut on November 30, 2019, in a 1–0 away defeat to J. Atete FC of Ughelli, Delta State. The first league goal was scored by Ekerete Udom in the 65th minute of the 2–0 home win against Bayelsa United.
In 2019, the leadership of Vandrezzer FC announced their plan to construct a 5,000 capacity stadium in Ibiono, a local government in Akwa-Ibom state.[6] Vandrezzer relocated to Lagos in January 2021.[7]
On March 1 Vandrezzer F.C. media announced the resignation of the head coach Rafael Everton, his assistant Jose Israel and Alberico Da Silva, have all left the club[8]
Vandrezzer FC became the first Nigerian football club with 1 million Facebook followers.[9]
Honours
edit- Lagos FA Cup: 1
- 2021
Stadium
editVandrezzer FC played their home matches at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos. They use the Uyo Township Stadium for home games.
Squad
edit- As of December 9, 2021
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
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References
edit- ^ "Nigeria Champions". Rsssf.com.
- ^ "Ikot Ekpene Club Drums Maximum Support For Vandrezzer FC". Complete Sports. Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ "Enyeama to grace Udofia Unity Cup opening ceremony". The Punch. 25 October 2019. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Brazilian Everton returns with Vandrezzer FC". The Nations. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
- ^ "Rafael Everton extend his stay at Vandrezzer FC". Soccerhub. 2020-09-21. Retrieved 2020-11-03.
- ^ "Vandrezzer FC to construct 5,000 capacity stadium". The Sun (Nigeria). Retrieved 10 October 2020.
- ^ "Vandrezzer FC Leaves Akwa Ibom For Lagos State". The Busy Buddies. 2021-01-06. Retrieved 2023-07-03.
- ^ "Brazilian Everton Resigns from Vandrezzer FC Job". THISDAYLIVE. 2021-03-01. Retrieved 2021-03-05.
- ^ "Dear 1M Magnificent Facebook Followers".