Some football enthusiasts in Enugu, Ebonyi, Sokoto and Kaduna States were left dumbfounded on Saturday over the death of another former Super Eagles coach Shuaibu Amodu barely few days after Stephen Keshi’s exit.
Some football fans who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria in Enugu, Ebonyi, Kaduna and Sokoto states expressed shock over Amodu’s demise.
The Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association (ENSFA) Chairman, Chidi Offor-Okenwa said that he was pained that the football world was losing heroes when they were needed most.
“It is painful that Nigeria Football house is mourning two great heroes at the same time, well, who am I to questioned God’s decision.
“Amodu saved the country’s football in difficult time. That shows the mark of an icon and he never failed in his works and contributions to the country’s football.
“I pray that the families of the deceased coaches would find solace in the Lord Jesus,” he said.
In his tribute, the Chief of Staff to Enugu State Governor, Mr Victor Atuonwu described Amodu’s death as shocking.
“I was shocked when I received the news of Amodu’s death through NAN SMS alert this morning. It is sad indeed less than one week his colleague, Stephen Keshi passed on.
“This situation calls for serious prayers by Nigerians particularly the Nigeria Football Federation. May their souls rest in peace,’’ he prayed.
In his contribution, the Crime Busters FC Team Manager, Ebere Amaraizu described Amodu as one of the best football coaches in the country.
“The death of tactician Amodu is shocking to me and very unfortunate as we are still mourning the big boss, Keshi.
“This is the time we needed the coaches most as they are now ripe with the knowledge of modern football techniques,” he said.
Also SWAN Chairman in Enugu, Norbert Okolie said that the news of Amodu’s death was devastating as the football world was still mourning Keshi, who died four days ago.
“I just cannot find the right words to describe this very sad moment in Nigeria football. May his soul rest in peace,” Okolie said.
Football fans in Ebonyi have called for spiritual intervention to prevent the incessant deaths that had befallen the nation’s soccer within one week.
NAN reports that Former Super Eagles Coach, Shuaibu Amodu, 58, died on Saturday, three days after compatriot Stephen Keshi died in similar manner.
Jude Chimezie, a Gospel Evangelist urged Nigerians, especially members of the football family, to pray fervently for God’s intervention in halting the ugly trend.
“The football family led by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) should seek the face of God and repent of all acts that are inimical to God and human,” he said.
Mrs Glory Ezenwa, a teacher and football enthusiast, urged relevant soccer authorities to always accord full respect to retired football heroes and those under their employment.
Football enthusiasts in Kaduna and Sokoto have expressed shock on the sudden demise of former Nigeria’s Super Eagles handler, Amodu.
Speaking in separate interviews with NAN on Saturday in Kaduna, some former international players said they were shocked that the football coaching guru had gone too soon.
Garba lawal said, ”it was shocking hearing the demise of Amodu just few days after Keshi’s death.
“It was shocking because we are yet to recover from Stephen Keshi’s death and another tragic one just happened.
“We know death is inevitable, we cannot question God, but to accept anything that comes our way; This is a great loss not only to football, but to the entire country,” Lawal added.
Yinka Salihu, another ex-international said that Amodu and Keshi’s demise were still unbelievable.
”The two coaches had contributed a lot to football and would be greatly missed,” he said.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Babayero described the death as a sad one, saying Amodu as an icon cannot be forgotten easily.
“We pray his soul rest in peace, because his records and achievements cannot be forgotten too soon,” he said.
Two Sports Journalists in Sokoto, Aminu Mohammed and Adamu Suleiman, also urged the government to immortalise the two former coaches.
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