Crown FC Driver Dies in Team Bus Crash En Route to Pre-Season Tournament

By Zee Dladla | 19.10.2026 | Sports Last Updated On 19.10.2026

Crown FC Driver Dies in Team Bus Crash En Route to Pre-Season Tournament

Senator Sharafadeen Alli Campaign Organisation has offered condolences to the family of Crown Football Club driver Yinusa Popoola Amole, who died following the team’s road accident on the Ijebu-Ode Road.

Crown FC, known as the Ajilete Warriors, had been travelling to Ijebu-Ode for the AFH Pre-Season Tournament in preparation for the 2026/2027 Nigeria National League season when the crash occurred.

Quick facts

  • Crown FC driver Yinusa Popoola Amole was 54.
  • He died on Thursday night after sustaining injuries in the accident.
  • The squad was heading to Ijebu-Ode for the AFH Pre-Season Tournament.
  • Injured players and officials are receiving medical treatment.

The club confirmed that Amole died after fighting the injuries he suffered in the collision. He was 54.

In a personally signed condolence message, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate described the incident as a devastating blow to football in Oyo State.

“I received with rude shock and profound grief the news of the accident involving our dear Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso,” Alli said.

“My heart bleeds for the Crown family.”

He added: “This is heartbreaking in its rawest form. To lose Mr Yinusa Amole, a loyal, dedicated and hardworking man who died in active service to our darling state, is devastating. He was not just a driver; he was part of Crown FC’s engine room. His death is a sad loss.”

Alli extended sympathy to Amole’s immediate family, as well as the club chairman, management, technical staff, players, supporters and the wider Ogbomoso community.

“No words can be enough at this moment,” he said. “I also pray for the speedy and complete recovery of our injured players and officials who are currently receiving treatment. May God speed up their healing.”

The senator said Crown FC remained a source of pride for Oyo State and represented resilience, pledging his support to the club during what he described as a difficult period.

Alli also prayed for the Crown FC family to be given the strength to cope with what he called an irreparable loss.

Written by Staff Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa's leading independent entertainment news sites.

Following ZAlebs' transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC's Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.

Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.

Published on 19.10.2026
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