Tears feared Saturday in Okpella, Edo State as family members, neighbours and other mourners wept profusely when the remains of the Technical Director of Nigeria Football Federation and former Super Eagles coach, Shuaibu Amodu, was lowered into the grave.
The well-attended event held at the residence of Amodu at Okpella in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State on Saturday evening. The late former Super Eagles gaffer died in his sleep Friday and had to be buried yesterday, according to Muslim rites.
Members of the nation’s football fraternity, led by the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi; Chairman of the Edo Football Association, Frank Ilaboya; a physiotherapist of the national football team, Robinson Okosun as well as other football and sports enthusiasts were in Okpella to pay Amodu their last respects.
Also in attendance were top officials of Edo State government including Amodu’s cousin, the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Kassim Afegbua; Commissioner for the Environment, Clement Agba; among others.
Meantime, Acting President and Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, has described the death of Amodu Shuiabu as a “profound loss to the nation”. His statement read:
“The death of the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation and former coach of the Super Eagles, Amodu Shuiabu, is a profound loss to the nation.
“Coming just four days after the death of former player and coach, Stephen Keshi, Nigeria has lost yet another dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to bring honor to our country. He led the national team to two World Cup Tournaments and answered the call to serve as National Coach on a number of occasions.
“Indeed his life was dedicated to finding and grooming Nigeria’s best soccer talents and providing them the leadership and guidance with which they excelled.
“Amodu Shuiabu’s work as National Coach of Nigeria’s national team brought gladness to the nation and fulfillment to many. His legacy is secured in the memories of Nigerians who will forever recall the exploits his teams recorded across the African continent and around the world.
“His dutiful service spanned many years and our country is grateful for his selflessness and immense contributions. Though the nation is pained at his death, we take solace in the joyful memories he left behind.
“On behalf of the people and government of Nigeria, I wish to express our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Amodu Shuiabu on this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We pray for God’s consolation.
Amodu is survived by his wife, Kuburat, and seven children; as well as his mother, brother and sisters.
