Newly appointed Smart City FC Technical Adviser Eddy Lord Dombraye will get another opportunity to assess his team when the Lagos side face Stormers Sports Club in a pre-season friendly at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, on Thursday.
The encounter, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on September 24, forms part of Smart City’s preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria National League season as the club builds towards a campaign in which promotion to the NPFL is the stated target.
Dombraye was recently handed responsibility for leading that push after signing a one-year contract with an option for renewal. The former Nigeria international previously served as Technical Adviser of Lobi Stars and also developed his coaching credentials in Europe.
The Stormers encounter comes as Dombraye continues assessing his squad and attempting to establish his methods ahead of competitive action.
Speaking recently about the task facing Smart City, Dombraye acknowledged the demands surrounding the club.
“Expectations are very high. It’s not easy. We all know that in Nigeria, Lagos is like the center of football. Expectations are high and the club itself has its own expectations,” he said.
Smart City have already been busy during pre-season. They recorded a 1-0 victory over Ajuwa FA on September 17, with the technical crew using the fixture to evaluate the squad and continue preparations for the new campaign.
Thursday’s trip to Abeokuta therefore represents another useful examination for Dombraye, with Stormers expected to provide competitive opposition on their home turf.
For the new Technical Adviser, every pre-season fixture now offers another opportunity to determine the shape of the Smart City side that will eventually carry the club’s promotion ambitions into the new NNL season.
