Former Super Eagles’ star, Mutiu Adepoju (Headmaster) has joined in rolling out memories of the team’s multiple term handler, Shaibu Amodu, who he recalled as a man that gave everything he had for the country’s football growth and was always ready to serve the country, megasportsarena.com reports.
Adepoju’s words came on the four-year memorial of the death of Amodu, which sad incident took place in Benin City on June 10, 2016, as he joined the Nigerian football community in recounting memories of the late coach’s contributions to the Eagles and football in all.
The former Compostella and Real Sociedad of Spain attacking midfielder took to social media to reveal his emotions on the fought year anniversary of Amodu’s death, as he wrote an emotional and deeply thoughtful short message laced with superlative words about the late coach’s value.
Adepoju stated in his post: “Keep resting my dear coach. You gave everything for Nigeria and was always ready to serve. #WeRememberAmodu.”
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also joined in the roll call of eulogies from ex-internationals, players, officials, coaches and fans, as they all reeled out varying messages on Wednesday, in memory and tribute of the five-time Eagles coach, who died at the age of 58, three days after another Nigerian legend and ex-handler of the side, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi was laid to rest.
It all marked a befitting memorial for Amodu, who went into coaching after his playing career was abruptly ended by injury at the age of 23, and is regarded as one of the greatest Nigerian coaches, giving his impact and contribution to the national team, after started his coaching career with BCC Lions, he also managed El-Kanemi Warriors and Shooting Stars of Ibadan.
Before travelling abroad to handle Orlando Pirates of South Africa, he won the FA Cup and local league, among other accolades and was deservedly named the national team coach in 1994 for his first stint with the side, which he twice qualified for the FIFA World Cup, in 2002 and 2010, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve the feat but was twice sacked before the global fiesta.
Amodu was the NFF’s technical director until his death, and the soccer governing body also took to social media on Wednesday to hail him, with a post that stated: “On this day four years ago, late coach Shuaibu Amodu departed this world. We miss you coachie, continue to rest in peace. Thank you for all your contributions to the development of Nigerian football.”
