OBITUARY
Yet another Nigeria football July immemorial: Rangers first goalkeeper and father of ex-Super Eagle is 24 in eternity
Not many may remember him, but he was the first goalkeeper of the famous Enugu Rangers when it was newly established in the early 1970s.
This Saturday marks 24 years since Cyril Okosieme, the founding goalkeeper of Enugu Rangers who died on 29 July 1999. According to one of his sons, Nnamdi Okosieme who is an accomplished sports journalist, Cyril Okosieme died in Owerri, Imo State.
He left Rangers for Bendel Insurance FC of Benin (then Vipers of Benin) in 1972.
He was the father of Nigerian international, Ndubuisi Okosieme, who was a member of the Nigeria national team that had the runners-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations – the team that was nicknamed ‘Super Eagles’ on 29 March 1988 by Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.
Ndubuisi was also a member of the Flying Eagles team that placed third at the Soviet 1985 World Youth Championship that is now called U20 World Cup.
Another offspring of Cyril Okosieme is the four-time Women’s World Cup veteran, Nkiru Okosieme, who also captained of the Super Falcons.
Cyril Okosieme was the Assistant Coach of Insurance when they beat Enugu Rangers 3-0 in the final of the 1978 Challenge Cup.
OBITUARY
BREAKING! Former Heartland FC owner, Iwuanyanwu, dies at 81
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu who in 1984 acquired state-owned Spartans FC Owerri and renamed it Iwuanyanwu Nationale has died aged 81. The club has since 2006 reverted to the Imo State Government and renamed Heartland FC.
According to news outlet, The Cable, Jide, the son, of Iwunayanwu announced the passing of the former club proprietor. He was also the Ohanaeze Ndigbo president
The son said the late Ohanaeze president-general died on Thursday after a brief illness
OBITUARY
Nigeria’s Sports Minister Condoles With Sports Sector, Family of Ekene Adams
Tributes have started pouring in over the death of Ekene Adams, the chairman of the Sports Committee of the Federal House of Representatives.
Adams passed on in the early hours of this Tuesday. The sports minister, John Owan Enoh remarked that the the late legislator had deep passion for sports, which is exemplary.
The minister extended his deepest condolences to his family. Enoh expressed his sadness, stating, “Honourable Ekene was deeply passionate about sports and played a significant role in the growth and development of sports in Nigeria.
“I offer my heartfelt condolences to Honourable Ekene’s family. He was a sportsman par excellence who not only played the game but also administered and invested in it. We will miss his wealth of experience and the passion he brought to sports.”
Reflecting on their recent interactions, Senator Enoh added, “We were discussing Nigeria’s preparations for the Olympic Games, and he consistently demonstrated his patriotism and leadership.”
“Honourable Ekene was a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him. His dedication to the development of grassroots sports in Nigeria was solid, and his contributions to the house will be deeply missed.”
Honourable Ekene Adams passed away after a period of illness. Until his passing, he served as the chairman of the House Committee on Sports.
He also held positions as the CEO of Kada City Football Club and general manager of Remo Stars at different times before winning the House of Representatives seat in the 2023 general election.
The Minister of Sports , permanent secretary, Mrs Tinuke Watti , President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Engr Habu Gumel ,the Speaker and members of the House of Representatives amongst others were present to condole with the family.
OBITUARY
CAF mourns South Africa’s first national team coach, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala
The Confédération of African Football, (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe is saddened by the news of the passing of former coach of the South African National Team, Mamelodi Sundowns and a Senior Official at Orlando Pirates FC, Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala.
Tshabalala was the first coach of the South African Senior Team, Bafana Bafana after re-admission in 1992.
In his career, he played for Orlando Pirates FC and was a Technical Director at Kaizer Chiefs FC.
President Motsepe said: “Mr “Screamer” Tshabalala’s contribution to the development and growth of South African football is enormous and recognized by all who have been involved and associated with football in our country over many years.
“He is recognised as the Father of the “shoe shine and piano” style which he initiated whilst being Head Coach of Mamelodi Sundowns. Mr “Screamer” Tshabalala represented the very best of South African football and African football and will always have a special place in our hearts.”
CAF President Dr Motsepe conveys heartfelt condolences to the family of Stanley Tshabalala, Orlando Pirates Chairman Dr Khoza and the South African Football Association (“SAFA”), as well as the entire South African Football Football Family.
CAF
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