Former Super Eagles captain and coach, Sunday Oliseh, is grieving the loss of his brother, Uche Levi Oliseh, who passed away on Thursday following a brief illness caused by malaria fever.

In an emotional social media post, Oliseh expressed profound sorrow, describing the pain as unlike anything he has ever experienced.

“Sadly, I lost my brother, Uche Levi Oliseh, on Thursday after a brief illness with malaria fever. It hurts so bad, like I have never felt before,” the former midfielder wrote on his X platform.

Oliseh, a key figure in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and the 1996 Olympic gold medal-winning team, went on to reflect on the deep bond he shared with Uche, lamenting the many moments they would no longer share.

“I have over a million things that I would wanna talk, laugh and do with Uche, but sadly I cannot anymore,” he added. “Damn, death is a real bitch.”

The Oliseh family is well known in Nigerian football circles, with several members involved in the sport. Uche Levi, though less prominent in the public eye, was considered an important part of the family’s strong kinship.

Tributes have started pouring in from fans, friends, and members of the football community, many of whom expressed their condolences and offered support to the Oliseh family during this difficult time.

The loss is a deeply personal one for Sunday Oliseh, who has not only contributed immensely to Nigerian football as a player and coach but remains a respected voice in the sport.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI has expressed deep sorrow over the death of legendary Moroccan footballer Ahmed Faras. He sent a heartfelt message of condolence to the family of the late national hero. Ahmed Faras passed away at the age of 78.

Faras is a revered figure in Moroccan football history. He captained the national team to its only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph in 1976. He also remains the country’s all-time leading scorer.

His death marks the end of an era for Moroccan football, with tributes pouring in from across the nation and beyond.

In a message conveyed to Faras’s family, loved ones, and the wider Moroccan sports community, King Mohammed VI paid glowing tribute to the former international, describing him as a “legendary figure of Moroccan football” and a source of national pride.

“With great emotion and deep sorrow, I learned of the passing of the former international footballer Ahmed Faras,” the King wrote.

“In this painful moment, I extend my heartfelt condolences and sincere compassion to all members of his family, his friends, his admirers, and the entire national sporting community, especially Chabab Mohammedia.”

King Mohammed VI, who was a 13-year-old prince at the time of Morocco’s AFCON triumph in 1976, fondly recalled the historic moment led by Faras.

A symbolic reminder of that victory is immortalized at the entrance of the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Rabat, where a large, framed photograph captures the 1976 national team dressed in maroon suits during a reception. Standing among them in a blue suit and striped tie is the young prince, now Morocco’s monarch.

This photograph adorns the reception area of the sumptuous Mohammmed VI Football Complex

The King praised Faras for his outstanding football career, highlighting his distinction as the first Moroccan to win the African Ballon d’Or in 1975 and his vital contributions to elevating Moroccan football on the continental and global stages during the 1960s and 1970s.

“Thanks to his exceptional talent, Ahmed Faras helped elevate Moroccan football with brilliance and dignity. His commitment, noble character, and patriotism made him a role model for generations of athletes,” the King added.

Faras, who spent his entire club career with Chabab Mohammedia, is remembered not only for his on-field brilliance but also for his humility and dedication to the national cause. He remains an enduring symbol of Morocco’s golden era in football.

King Mohammed VI concluded his tribute by acknowledging the profound loss felt across the nation, while honouring Faras’ enduring legacy and expressing solidarity with the bereaved family during this time of mourning.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigeria international and one-time Super Eagles head coach, Monday Sinclair, who passed away on Wednesday evening.

Sinclair, fondly known in football circles as “The Professor” for his tactical depth and cerebral approach to the game, was a towering figure in Nigerian football from the early post-independence era to the late 1990s.

He not only represented the country on the pitch but also played a pivotal role in shaping the next generation of football stars through his grassroots development work and coaching career.

In a statement issued on Thursday morning, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described Sinclair’s passing as “yet another sad day in Nigeria football.”

“We mourn deeply with the immediate family, friends and relatives of ‘Professor’ Monday Sinclair over his demise,” said Sanusi.

“Our prayer is that God will stop the tap of grief and sorrow in our football and the larger society.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant the late Sinclair eternal rest and also grant those loved ones he has left behind, including the coaching fraternity, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Born in the early years of Nigeria’s independence, Sinclair earned his stripes as a skilled midfielder with the senior national team. However, it was in his post-playing career that he cemented his status as one of Nigeria’s most respected football educators and talent developers.

Known for his eye for raw talent, Monday Sinclair played a vital role in the early careers of several Nigerian football icons, including the late Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, gritty defender Taribo West, and dazzling winger Finidi George.

He was famed for instilling discipline, tactical awareness, and a fluid style of play in his teams—attributes that became the hallmark of many of his proteges.

In 1997, following the exit of Frenchman Philippe Troussier, Sinclair was appointed interim head coach of the Super Eagles by the then-Nigeria Football Association.

Tasked with stabilising the national team in the lead-up to the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Sinclair’s brief tenure was marked by a return to traditional Nigerian flair and discipline.

At club level, Sinclair left an indelible mark on the domestic scene, most notably with the Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt.

He was admired for his innovative coaching methods, unyielding work ethic, and ability to connect with players both on and off the pitch. His pedagogical style earned him respect across generations of footballers, administrators, and fans.

Beyond trophies and accolades, Monday Sinclair will be remembered as a passionate educator, mentor, and football philosopher who helped lay the foundation for many of Nigeria’s footballing successes.

The NFF, along with members of the football community nationwide, is expected to pay tribute to his enduring legacy in the days ahead. Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in due course.

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