OBITUARY
Nigerian Sports Journalism Mourns Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu
The Nigerian sports media community has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two respected football journalists and administrators, Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu.
Their passing has triggered tributes from colleagues across the country who remember them as dedicated professionals who made meaningful contributions to sports journalism and football administration.
Oyeleke’s Legacy in Broadcast Sports Journalism
Oyeleke, a former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, was widely respected for his work in broadcast sports journalism.
During his career, he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority, where he was part of the network’s sports reporting team, before later contributing to coverage on SuperSport.
As Lagos SWAN chairman, Oyeleke was known for his efforts to strengthen the professional standing of sports journalists and promote unity within the association.
Colleagues recall him as a calm, thoughtful voice within the sports media fraternity, always willing to mentor younger journalists entering the profession.
Chukwu Remembered in Nigerian Club Football
Tonex Chukwu, who also passed away, built a strong reputation within Nigerian club football circles, particularly through his work as media officer of Enyimba FC, one of the country’s most successful teams.
He later served as coordinator for Heartland FC, contributing to the organisation and administration of the club during his tenure.
Friends and colleagues describe Chukwu as a passionate football communicator who played an important role in bridging the relationship between clubs, supporters and the media.
Tributes Pour In
News of their deaths has prompted an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s sports community, with journalists, club officials and administrators remembering both men for their commitment to the game.
Many have taken to social media and professional platforms to honour their memories and reflect on the impact they made within the industry.
As tributes continue to flow, colleagues say the legacies of Oyeleke and Chukwu will endure through the many journalists and football professionals whose careers and lives they touched.
The Nigerian sports community has also extended heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult period.
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Veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset, who was fired at the last Africa Cup of Nations by Ivory Coast before they went on to win the trophy, has died aged 72, his former French club Montpellier announced on Friday.
Hosts Ivory Coast were sensationally beaten 4-0 by minnows Equatorial Guinea in their last group game at the 2023 edition in the biggest upset in tournament history, finishing third in their group.
Gasset was dismissed after the shock defeat but the Ivorians earned a reprieve as one of the best third placed finishers to qualify for the knockout rounds and eventually won the title under Gasset’s assistant Emerse Fae.
One month after returning to France, Gasset was appointed coach at Olympique de Marseille but stayed for only four months.
He went back to Montpellier last season but when they were headed for relegation, he was sacked in April.
Gasset spent most of his playing career at Montpellier, where his father had been one of the club founders.
The cause of death was not given.
Reuters
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Norbert Okolie, the Media Director of Rangers International FC, describing his passing as a major loss to the Nigerian sports community.
Okolie, a respected journalist and administrator, died over the weekend. Until his death, he served as the Media Director of the Enugu-based NPFL side and previously chaired the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). He was also a member of the association’s national council.
In a condolence statement, NPFL Media Director Harry Iwuala paid tribute to Okolie’s professionalism and dedication, noting that he was one of the most outstanding media officers in the league.
“I have worked and am still working with NPFL clubs’ Media Directors, and Norbert was one of the few who distinguished himself in the way he engaged the public, especially the sporting media, on behalf of his club,” Iwuala said.
He added that Okolie’s background as a photojournalist enriched his work and elevated the quality of media content produced for the club, the league, and the wider public.
Iwuala extended heartfelt condolences to Okolie’s family, Rangers International, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, and members of the NPFL Media Directors Association.
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By Cornelius Ehimiaghe
On November 2, 2025, the cold hand of death struck again. As die-hard supporters of Bendel Insurance FC of Benin pondered how their beloved team would escape the relegation waters, they were blindsided by heartbreaking news—the passing of their former goal machine, Mfon Bassey.
Bassey was adored and respected by the supporters of the Benin Arsenal for his remarkable calmness in front of goal. With effortless composure, he made scoring look easy.
Until his passing in his fifties, he served as a football coach with the Edo State Sports Commission, bravely battling health challenges in the months preceding his death.
Born in Ibadan to the late Pa Jonah Mfon and the late Mrs. Paulina Mfon of Ewang Village, Oron District, Akwa Ibom State, Bassey was the second son in the family.
He attended St. Williams Primary School, Ibadan, and Ibadan Grammar School, Molete, where his football journey truly began.
He sharpened his talents with youth clubs such as Greater Tomorrow and Liberty Boys before earning his first paid football job with Ogun/Osun River Basin Authority FC.
In 1989, Bendel Insurance scouts spotted Bassey during a pre-season friendly. Invited to Benin City for trials, he quickly convinced coach Alabi Aisien and his crew—who needed only a few bounce games to see what others had overlooked.
What Shooting Stars failed to recognize under their noses, Bendel Insurance embraced wholeheartedly: a striker with intelligence, instinct, and finesse. Bassey was promptly signed, instantly becoming the perfect complement to fellow striker Roland Ewere.
A technically complete forward, Bassey was comfortable with both feet and exceptional in the air. He was not the typical burly striker who bullied defenders; instead, he relied on his sharp football brain, impeccable positioning, and the ability to convert crosses and through balls.
After a hard shift up front, he was occasionally deployed as a false 10, linking midfield and attack with seamless ease.
Bassey adapted quickly to life in Benin City, donning the green and yellow of Bendel Insurance for seven seasons. Even when wealthier clubs came calling, he remained loyal to the Benin Arsenal.
His 1993 exploits brought him national recognition, finishing runner-up in the league with Bendel Insurance and also in the race for the league’s top scorer—second only to Tony Nwaigwe of Iwuanyanwu Nationale. He was part of the squad that lifted the WAFU Cup that year.
In 1994, he led the line with purpose and precision as Bendel Insurance clinched the CAF Cup, defeating Primeiro de Maio of Angola 3–1 on aggregate. Bassey scored the third goal in the decisive second leg at Ogbe Stadium—a strike etched in the club’s history as Insurance’s only continental trophy to date. The team also retained the WAFU Cup that same year, overcoming Plateau United of Jos.
Bassey moved to Nigerdock FC of Lagos in 1995, spending a few seasons there before pursuing opportunities in Belgium and Qatar.
Though his foreign trials did not yield contracts, he remained undeterred. At the peak of his career, he earned an invitation to the home-based Super Eagles camp in 1994 but, unfortunately, was not capped in the star-studded national side.
In the twilight of his career, he featured for Esan United before transitioning fully into coaching. He completed a coaching course at the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Lagos, in 2016, and later earned an NCE in Physical and Health Education from the College of Physical Education, Afuze.
Bassey coached various teams, including Green Force and Yak United. Before becoming a certified football coach, he was also a passionate darts player and coach, representing Edo State at the National Sports Festival, where he won gold medals.
Until his passing, Bassey was married to Mrs. Joy Ehigiamusoe Mfon. He is survived by three children—Imabong, Enobong, and Duke Mfon.
Mfon Bassey’s goal-scoring exploits remain evergreen in the hearts of thousands of Bendel Insurance supporters. His burial will take place on November 14, 2025, at his residence in Benin City.
May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.
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