Former Togolese Striker Olufade Adékanmi Takes Coaching Helm at Stella Club d’Adjamey
Olufade Adékanmi, the former Togolese international striker, is set to return to Ivory Coast—not as a player, but as the new head coach of Stella Club d’Adjamey. The 34-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the Ivorian Ligue 1 side, where he previously played for two seasons.
Stella Club currently sits 7th in the league standings with 32 points after 26 matches, maintaining a four-point cushion above the relegation zone. Adékanmi’s primary objective will be to steer the club away from the threat of relegation and push them back towards the top tier of Ivorian football.
Since retiring from playing, Adékanmi has built his coaching credentials through various roles. He founded his own football academy, CDS Olufadé, and gained experience as head coach of Togolese club Gomido de Kpalimé. Additionally, he served as technical director for Anges de Notsè and assisted the coaching staff of Togo’s local national team during the West African Football Union (UFOA) tournament, working alongside Tchanilé Tchakala.
During his playing career, Adékanmi enjoyed success on both club and international stages. He scored a decisive Champions League goal for Lille against Deportivo La Coruña and netted 33 goals in 70 appearances for Belgian side Gent, including 15 goals in his initial 2006-2007 spell.
Internationally, the striker represented Togo with distinction. He earned 45 caps, scoring 19 goals, and featured in the African Cup of Nations in 2002 and 2006. Notably, he was part of Togo’s squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, the nation’s first appearance at the tournament.
Adékanmi’s transition from player to coach signals his commitment to contributing to West African football’s growth, and his appointment at Stella Club offers an opportunity to apply his experience and leadership in guiding the team’s fortunes in Ivory Coast’s top flight.
