By GBENGA GBADESIRE

It’s been an incredible 21 years since one of Nigeria’s foremost football technocrats, Patrick Okpomo, who was a former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), died in Lagos.

‘Sekito’, as yours sincerely fondly called him, was a panache of sports administration with a panacea for its challenges to the envy of his colleagues who couldn’t match his suave administrative attributes.

No wonder CAF and FIFA quickly grabbed him the moment the Nigeria factor dumped him. And like the star that he was locally, he soared globally so much that Nigeria had to shamefully recall him in 1999 to head the Technical Committee of the U-20 World Cup, which the country hosted.

Okpomo’s showcase of international football competence was courtesy of CAF President, Issa Hayatou who saw at close quarters the immense administrative expertise in him, having learned soccer administration under him when his Cameroonian government seconded him to Nigeria for training years earlier before his CAF presidency, and it was Hayatou who God thereafter used to elevate him to CAF and FIFA platform the moment Nigeria dumped him.

Leveraging on Hayatou’s goodwill and magnanimity, the rejected soccer technocrat suddenly became Nigeria’s unofficial soccer ambassador as he quietly climbed the CAF hierarchy.

And with grit and benevolence, he single-handedly got CAF to name Chief MKO Abiola the Pillar of Sports in Africa, a novelty title unheard of in the annals of sports diplomacy to the envy of his detractors.

 An award which was to herald MKO’s popularity to an international level, which even his Abiola Babes FC couldn’t fetch him in their heyday.

But in all of this, the unassuming facilitator of this momentous award remained humbled, modest, humane and germane to all and sundry.

Remaining in the background, unseen or heard, in line with the civil service ethos that moulded him outside of his academic attainment at the University of Lagos and later the University of Alberta, Canada, Okpomo valued his integrity to the admiration of those close to him.

Though he was NFA Secretary General at three different times, namely 1984-1987,1989-1990 & 2001- 2002, our paths never really crossed until 1989 in Bauchi during that year’s FA cup final between BCC Lions and Iwuanyanwu Nationale.

Earlier in Lagos yours sincerely had written a story in Prime People/ Vintage People which he took offence to, and the moment I ran unto him at Hamdala Hotel Bauchi in company of NFA chairman, then Group Captain Anthony Ikazoboh with then Captain Emmanuel Okaro, he told Ikazoboh “Oga be careful with Gbenga “, to which the once provost marshal of the Nigeria AirForce replied as he came to stand by my side “Pat dis one no fit do me anything”.

With that Bauchi meeting resolving our differences, the stage was set for a robust and brotherly relationship with the trio of Okpomo, Okaro and Ikazoboh, so much that Ikazoboh was chairman at my wedding in Ibadan and to date, General Okaro, rtd and I are still friends.

‘Sekito’ and I became so close that I could order his wife, who shares the same Mary name with my Iya Eleja mom, to cook for me in their house, and whenever he was packing from one house to another, I was always around to help move items.

In continuation of our relationship, it wasn’t long before he started inviting me to join him at Ikoyi Club 1938 and Sagamu Golf Club to play golf, walking the length and breadth of the courses, teeing and putting.

The club became my relaxing point after my Unipetrol hustle so much that each time Emmanuel Maradas, publisher of African Soccer Magazine and I met at the office of my benefactor: former NFA chairman cum MD of Unipetrol, Alhaji Yusuf Garba Ali, and I needed to savour him with the touch of Lagos hospitality, our port of call was Ikoyi Club to the admiration of the Chadian- journalist who later offered me the editorship of his London based magazine twice with tempting pays which my village boy self-turned down.

As a buoy of our relationship, Okpomo, who had seen how comfortable I was doing in my logistics and petroleum marketing business, courtesy of my godfather, Alhaji Yusuf Garba Ali, swayed me to become an Ikoyi Club member rather than being his guest always, since I could afford it.

Though a lot of people didn’t know, I joined the Club in 1998 as a golfer, contrary to the misconception some people had when I won the election to become the Entertainment Chairman of the Club in 2006.

One remarkable thing happened at my induction date when Okpomo and I didn’t know that I ought to wear a complete agbada or corporate suit that night, and not the Senegalese guinea brocade that I wore.

Right on the queue, when he realised it, he dashed to his then Obanikoro area house from Ikoyi (a drive of 40minutes) to get me a suit only for the induction ceremony to be over by the time he got back, and I had to be rescheduled.

 He was such a jolly good fellow/brother from another mother who wished for the progress of all and sundry, giving to the needy and quietly paying school fees for so many people that I knew.

You could then imagine my quandary when on the 1st of August 2004 I learnt that ‘Sekito’ was no more and not even my converging at his hometown in Inland Kokori, Delta State with the likes of Kola Abiola, Fanny Amun and Amaju Pinnick in November later that year could make yours sincerely believe in the farewell gathering that forlorn afternoon in the sea side town.

But alas, it’s been 21 years of witty Okpomo’s journey of no return since he went for a pile operation at St Nicholas hospital.

Gbenga Gbadesire is Publisher of The Session   

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

As Nigeria marks the 27th anniversary of the death of Bashorun Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the sports community joins in solemn remembrance of the man widely regarded as the greatest patron of Nigerian sports.

Though best known as the winner of Nigeria’s annulled 1993 presidential election, MKO Abiola was a towering figure in Nigerian and African sports — a passionate enthusiast, financier, and philanthropist whose contributions laid the foundation for some of the country’s greatest sporting achievements.

From football to boxing and athletics, Abiola’s impact was both vast and profound. His club, Abiola Babes Football Club, based in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was a household name in Nigerian football during the 1980s, winning the FA Cup twice (1985 and 1987) and producing some of the finest football talents the country has seen.

Beyond club ownership, Abiola was a strong advocate of sports journalism and media development.

He invested heavily in sports coverage through Concord Press, making it the first Nigerian media organisation to consistently give sports stories front-page prominence and dedicate magazine covers to sporting heroes.

“He wasn’t just a politician or businessman. MKO was the biggest friend sports ever had in Nigeria,” said a former Nigerian international, Dominic Iofar,  who played for Abiola Babes. “He took care of us like we were his own children. He believed in sports as a unifying force.”

In the early 1990s, Abiola sponsored major boxing bouts in Nigeria and played a key role in the re-emergence of local pugilists on the international scene.

He also extended financial support to athletes ahead of major international competitions, often paying bonuses and allowances from his personal funds when government support lagged.

Even in death, MKO Abiola’s sports legacy endures. Several initiatives and youth tournaments held in his memory continue to reflect his vision of sport as a tool for youth empowerment, national unity, and global recognition.

“MKO taught us that sport wasn’t just a game — it was a nation-building tool,” said one-time NFA chairman, recalling how Abiola’s vision shaped Nigerian sports policy even from outside government.

As Nigeria reflects on Abiola’s political legacy, the sports sector salutes him as a trailblazer whose investments and ideals continue to inspire new generations of athletes, administrators, and journalists.

Today, there may be no flowers laid or tributes paid. Still, Nigerian sports remember MKO Abiola not just as a martyr of democracy but as the patron saint of Nigerian sports — a visionary whose love for the game burned as brightly as his dream for a better Nigeria.

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

The death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, on July 3, 2025, has once again cast a solemn shadow over July—a month that, over the decades, has become tragically synonymous with the passing of some of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures.

From pioneering coaches and players to football administrators, July seems to carry an eerie pattern of farewells in the Nigerian football community. Sports Village Square recalls the long, haunting list of notable football personalities who have died in this very month:

Jelisavicic Tihomer “Father Tiko” – July 1, 1986

Fondly remembered as the architect of Nigeria’s rise in African football in the 1970s, the Yugoslav coach guided the Green Eagles to third-place finishes at the 1976 and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.

His era was marked by 45 matches, 24 wins, and a generation of stars. He died in an auto crash in Cancún, Mexico, just two days after the 1986 World Cup ended.

Samuel Ojebode – July 4, 2012

A left fullback and captain of IICC Shooting Stars, Ojebode was part of the legendary 1976 team under Father Tiko. His death marked the near-complete passing of that team’s iconic back four.

Dan Anyiam – July 6, 1977

A pioneer of Nigerian football and vice-captain of the famed 1949 UK Tourists, Anyiam was the first indigenous coach to sign a contract with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). He was found dead in his car on July 6, 1977.

Muda Lawal – July 6, 1991

The midfield maestro and member of the victorious 1980 AFCON team, Lawal died on the 14th anniversary of Dan Anyiam’s death. He was also a key figure under Father Tiko and a part of IICC’s continental conquests.

Bashorun MKO Abiola – July 7, 1998

Nigeria’s greatest sports philanthropist and financier of several football clubs, including Abiola Babes, MKO Abiola died while in detention. His contribution to football remains unmatched across Africa.

Father Dennis Slattery – July 7, 2003

An Irish missionary and former NFA chairman (1956–1959), Slattery officiated several Challenge Cup finals and was a major figure in school sports development, founding the famed St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka.

Israel Adebajo – July 25, 1969

Founder of the legendary Stationery Stores FC, Adebajo died weeks before his club’s Challenge Cup final appearance. His team was one of the most beloved in Nigeria’s football history.

Enemuo Edozie – July 25, 2004

Edozie Enemuo was the Head of Marketing for the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). He tragically died in a car accident on July 25, 2004, along the Port Harcourt-Aba expressway while travelling to watch a CAF Champions League match between Enyimba and Bakili Bullets. The accident, which involved a collision with a tanker, also claimed the lives of five other people. 

Enemuo’s death was a significant loss to the Nigerian football community. He was described as a dedicated and committed individual, and his death was described as “a very big shock” by NFA spokesman Sam Kaalu. At the time of his death, he was survived by three young children

Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu – July 25, 2024

A political and sports figure, Iwuanyanwu took over Spartans FC and turned it into Iwuanyanwu Nationale, a dominant club in the 1980s and early ’90s. He passed away at 81.

Mathias Obianika – July 27, 1992

The former Enugu Rangers striker made a memorable debut for Nigeria in 1971 with two goals against Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). He later became Rangers’ chief coach.

Anthony Ikazoboh – July 27, 1999

Former Super Stores player, two-time NFA Chairman and ex-Minister of Sports, Ikazoboh was murdered by armed robbers. He was instrumental in the development of Nigerian football, including the introduction of professional football in 1990.

Akinloye Oyebanji – July 27, 2019

A veteran NTA sports journalist and broadcaster, Oyebanji served for 35 years and retired as Managing Director of NTA Properties. He died after a long illness.

Senator Ifeanyi Ubah – July 27, 2024

Owner of FC IfeanyiUbah and a two-time Senator, Ubah died in a London hospital. He was a key investor in football and politics in the southeast region.

Cyril Okosieme – July 29, 1999

Pioneer goalkeeper for Enugu Rangers and later Bendel Insurance, Okosieme’s legacy lives on through his children who also made significant marks in Nigerian sports.

Tesilimi “Thunder” Balogun – July 30, 1972

The first Nigerian professional footballer in England, Balogun was a legend whose powerful shots earned him the nickname “Thunder.” He remains one of the most iconic names in Nigerian football history.

Sam Garba Okoye – July 31, 1978

A key figure in Nigerian football in the 1960s and ’70s, Okoye was known for his flair and trademark headband. He died in a car accident.

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The recurring pattern of loss in July is both painful and puzzling for the Nigerian football community.

With Peter Rufai—the Super Eagles’ 1994 AFCON-winning and World Cup goalkeeper—now added to this sombre roll call, the month continues to be one of mourning and reflection in Nigerian football history.

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