Another bolt of sad news hit Nigerian football on Monday, as Lobi Stars of Makurdi announced the death of veteran coach, Solomon Ogeide, who guided the Middle Belt outfit through this year’s CAF Champions League, megasportsarena.com reports.
The jocular Ogbeide, who had previously handled Sunshine Stars of Akure, Akwa United of Uyo, Warri Wolves of Delta State, Bayelsa United of Yenegoa and Sharks of Port Haarcourt, was said to have suffered from accumulated symptoms from exertions in the continental campaign.
His situation might have been compounded last Thursday, when he and Lobi’s team manager, Barnabas Imenger were reportedly abducted for several hours in Port-Harcourt by thugs, who were said to have been hired by a former player of their Makurdi club, Alele Azu, who was seeking payment of salary they allegedly owed him.
It got to a head on Monday, when Ogbeide reportedly slumped and died few hours to his team’s week 20 match against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi, amidst speculation of low blood pressure and trauma.
A report by Abuja-based Daily Trust newspaper stated further that the veteran coach had complained of body weakness and dizziness, after which he had been rushed to hospital, where he died hours later.
Ogbeide, who had a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and many football coaching certificates, including the CAF A-Licence, was an apostle of 4-4-2 formation, with double six central defence pairing.
At the time of Ogbeide’s appointment by the Makurdi club, they stated that his choice was based on based on merit, having considered his lofty, relevant and rich wealth of experience in Nigerian football.
A rain of encomiums quickly went out for Ogbeide, who was appointed by Lobi Stars in April 2017, and was also at a point the secretary-general of Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA).