Nigerian Football
How time flies! It’s 20 years since Patrick Okpomo died
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
Twenty years ago on this day, one of the greatest and influential football administrator in Africa, Patrick Okpomo passed on. He was aged 60. Okpomo was perhaps the most amiable Nigerian sports administrator of all time.
He had been a member of CAF’s Inter-Clubs Committee for over a decade and served as a member of the Cup of Nations organising committee and CAF general co-ordinator. Paying tributes to Okpomo when he died, the then Secretary General of CAF, Mustapha Fahmy remarked: “CAF has lost one of its faithful members.”
“The talented administrator has always shown of humour that made him a to-be-admired and respected within the football family at international and continental level.”
“The vacuum he leaves behind will be difficult to fill.”
The most memorable monument in his name is the secretariat of the Delta State Football Association, the Patrick Okpomo Football House.
He was a three-time General Secretary of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA). These were 1984 -1987, 1989 – 1990 and 2001 – 2002.
He was one of the most respected football administrators to have come out of Nigeria.
He was at various times a leading official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA where he was an instructor. Perhaps as a memorial to one of Africa’s best ever football administrators, Patrick Okpomo, CAF that he served meritoriously inadvertently decided to chart a new course on his 15th memorial.
Remo Stars on Saturday made it two straight wins in the Nigeria Premier League after labouring to a 1-0 defeat of Sunshine Stars of Akure to follow-up their last weekend 2-0 away win over Abia Warriors.
On Saturday, under eight minutes they shot ahead through Shuaibu Ibrahim. That was where the story ended as Sunshine Stars came up strongly and almost stalemated scores.
The win, though narrow, is enough to temporarily take Remo Stars to the top of the log after two games.
They are followed by Rivers United who beat Heartland 3-1. It is the second consecutive 3-1 loss that Heartland are getting in the two-week old season.
The situation could change on Sunday when other matches are played.
On the card are: Akwa United hosting Abia Warriors while Kano Pillars will be away to Bayelsa United.
Katsina United host Bendel Insurance and Niger Tornadoes will be home to Nasarawa United. Shooting Stars will host Plateau United.
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, who was in Arnhem, Netherlands.
Former Nigeria manager, Clemens Westerhof has recommended one of his former players, Samson Siasia as the substantial coach for the Super Eagles.
Siasia was one of his players of the famed golden generation of the Super Eagles.
“I called him last month to greet him for his birthday and also to celebrate with him for the end of his five-year ban”, Westerhof told Sports Village Square at his house in Arnhem in the Netherlands.
According to him, Siasia is just like Keshi and that he has the capacity to turn the Super Eagles around for the better. Westerhof, the author of the famed ‘Golden Generation’ of the Super Eagles made his suggestion shortly after Germany’s Bruce Labbadia turned down the Nigerian job offer.
Westerhof remarked that he was surprised about the choice of Labbadia in the first instance and that the now Mali coach, Tom Saintfiet who is his friend could have been a better choice.
Saintfiet, a Belgian, was speculated among the coaches initially short-listed for the Super Eagles’ job. But Westerhof, before the naming of Austin Eguavoen, another member of his famous 1994 squad, strongly back Siasia for the job.
He remarked that he was in touch with the former striker as well as Austin Okocha whom he met with in London recently.
To Westerhof, Siasia has the same quality like Stephen Keshi to handle the Super Eagles. “He has done it before and I think he can still do it.”
The balls hit the nets 17 times this Sunday as the Nigeria Premier League Season 2024/25 burst into life this Sunday.
The first of the goals was from Plateau United’s Olawale Doyeni who converted a 24th minute penalty kick against Katsina United in an eventual 1-0 home win.
Another star-man of the the day is Enyimba’s Clinton Jephta who has become the season’s first hat-trickster. His three goals in the 65th , 70th and 73rd minutes sank heartland 3-1 in their home match.
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