Okpella community in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State was thrown into mourning, yesterday evening, when the remains of the former Super Eagles and one of the most successful indigenous coaches, Amodu Shuaibu was laid to rest amid tears and wailing.
The body of late Amodu had earlier arrived Okpella from Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, at about12: 30p.m. and was brought out of the inner chambers of his house for internment at about 5:07 pm.Family members and neighbours could not hold their emotions as they cried and wailed uncontrollably.
Amodu’s mother who had earlier been taken to the palace of Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Alhaji AYE Dirisu was brought to Amodu’s compound, where she also lives after being briefed of her son’s death.
Prayers for the deceased was said by Ustaz Ahmed Shehu, who described the death of Amodu as a great loss to Okpella community, Etsako nation, Edo State and the nation at large.
At about 5:10p.m. a five minutes funeral prayer for was observed, after which he was interred 5:15p.mMembers of the Nigerian football family including the Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mohammed Sanusi; chairman of the Edo Football Association, Frank Ilaboya, Robinson Okosun and other football and sports enthusiasts gathered at the late Amodu’s residence to pay their last respect.
Top officials of the Edo State government, among whom is late Amodu’s cousin and Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Kassim Afegbua; Commissioner for Environment, Clem Agba, and other notable personalities from the Etsako nation also attended the burial.
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, has commiserated with the family of the late Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Shuaibu Amodu, over the death of the ex-Super Eagles coach.
He spoke to journalists during a condolence visit to the bereaved family in Okpella, where he described Amodu as a football tactician who was always ready to serve.
“I think Amodu will be appreciated more now in death more than when he lived because he took Nigeria to the highest level in football. Whether his allowances were paid or were not paid was always a matter for speculation.
“But his commitment to the game was never questioned. His leadership ability was never in doubt and his accomplishments are well in our records.”He noted that the death of the two former coaches might not be unconnected with “suffering” that were not made public.
“I think many moments like these call for some reflection. What is happening? I don’t know; maybe other people may know. But it would appear that these our outstanding coaches – the other day Stephen Keshi; now, Amodu Shuaibu – may well have been suffering in silence without the rest of us knowing.
“When you serve your country and you don’t appear to have been appreciated, people might be tempted to go into depression; I am not suggesting that this is the cause.”
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