Nigerian Football
NFF pays tribute to Titus Davis Okere, the ‘last of the firsts’
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid tribute to the last member of the pioneering UK Tourists to pass away, Titus Davis Okere, whose remains were interred at Bluebell Hill Crematorium in Kent, United Kingdom on Wednesday.
Okere, a dazzling left winger, was the last surviving member of the first-ever Nigeria National Football Team, which travelled to the United Kingdom in 1949 to play nine friendly matches, out of which it won two, drew two and lost five.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “The Nigeria Football Federation mourns the passing of Titus Davis Okere. As a member of the UK Tourists, who played with bare feet yet showed great spirit in the nine matches they played, he was a pioneer Football Ambassador of our great nation.
“Even though we did not watch him play, we read accounts of his exceptional skills and hard work on the pitch for the country and for the English clubs he played for – Swindon Town FC and Chippenham United. We pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and grant his family and close ones the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Swindon Town FC, for which Okere played 70 years ago, did a moving tribute to the departed player. His contract with Swindon Town in February 1953 made him the first Nigeria footballer to sign a professional contract.
The UK Tourists arrived in England on 29 August 1949. On arrival, an Englishman, John Finch was attached to them as coach. They played barefooted and won two, drew two and lost five of their matches against Marine Cosby, Bishop Auckland, Leystone FC, Isthmian League XI, Corinthians League XI, Dulwich Hamlet, South Liverpool, Bromley and Athenian League XI.
Nigerian Football
Nigerian women coaches conclude first module of CAF C-License course
A total of 30 women coaches have concluded the first of a three-module CAF C-License program in the Federal Capital, Abuja and are expected to commence a two-week internship with different teams in a few days.
Peopled largely by former Nigerian internationals and other serving coaches, the group was taken through a full week of rigorous classroom and practical sessions by a team of coach educators and resource persons, in a baptism of what the next two modules are likely to entail,
NFF Technical Director, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, told thenff.com that the first module has shown that the women coaches are actually desirous of learning.
“I am very much impressed with their attitude, mannerisms and conduct through the first module. They impressed everyone, and the coach educators also told me they were impressed, and are looking forward to having them back for the second and concluding modules.
“We are grateful for the leadership of the NFF for the support and encouragement for coach-education programmes all the time.”
The participants will return to Abuja for the second module that is scheduled for 12th – 20th August, after which they will go on another two-week internship, 23rd August – 4th September. The third module, which comes with examinations for the participants, will take place 9th – 19th September.
Dr. Terry Babatunde Eguaoje, NFF’s Head of Education, is among the coach educators’ team, which also includes Coaches Isah Ladan Bosso, Wemimo Olanrewaju and Lanrence Ndaks.
Among the 30 participants are former Super Falcons’ stars Precious Dede, Joy Jegede, Esther Michael, Maureen Eke, Otas Ogbonmwan, Vera Okolo, Cecilia Nku, Taiwo Ajobiewe, Gloria Ofoegbu and Amenze Aighewi. There are also Barr. Victoria Nlemigbo and retired FIFA referee Folusho Ajayi.
Nigerian Football
Osimhen’s outburst was a moment of madness, says Amaju
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President and a FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has expressed shock at last month’s outburst by Super Eagles’ striker, Victor Osimhen against Finidi George.
“It is very unfortunate”, Amaju Pinnick remarked on an Arise Television programme. The former NFF president said he had put a call to Osimhen who was very remorseful while the telephone conversation lasted.
“I told him he has to apologise, and I am sure he will if he has not yet done so.” Amaju remarked that he could not comprehend what went wrong as Osimhen was the most cool-headed player in the national team.
He went on to remark that Finidi George was not a personality to be disregarded like that. He has won virtually every honour available during his playing days and was a member of the Super Eagles at their peak when Nigeria ranked fifth in the world.
“I believe players should learn to respect their coaches”, said the former NFF boss.
Nigerian Football
I prefer a foreign coach for the Super Eagles, says Amaju
Nigeria’s FIFA Council member, Amaju Pinnick has told the world that he has always been an advocate of foreign coaches for the Super Eagles. He spoke on Arise Television while fielding questions with Reuben Abati, Rufai Oseni and Ayo Mairo-Ese.
His reason for being averse to indigenous coaches stemmed from lack of respect for them by the players.
“Yes, the Nigerian coaches have the requisite knowledge and the technical ability, but modern football is beyond that in managing players.
“Will the national team players respect the coach? The sad thing is that they don’t”, said Amaju Pinnick.
He however revealed that he supported the appointment of Finidi George owing to the circumstances that the NFF found itself after the exit of Jose Peseiro.
The NFF, he revealed, had no money to hire a foreign coach. The body therefore went for the most available option, Finidi to ensure a smooth transition.
“Finidi was part of the coaching crew of Peseiro and it was therefore logical to ask him to continue.
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