Tragedy strikes Nigerian football again

Tragedy has hit Nigerian football again as former Super Eagles coach Shuaibu Amodu died just days after another ex-national team coach, Stephen Keshi, passed away.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Saturday that Amodu, 58, died after complaining of chest problems.

On Wednesday, Keshi, 54, died suddenly in the southern Benin City.

Amodu, four-time Super Eagles coach, also died in his sleep in the same city.

Amodu, who coached Nigeria to two World Cups, in 2002 and 2010, was to have replaced Sunday Oliseh, who quit as the country’s coach in February, but he declined on health grounds.

The top coach was recently appointed Nigerian technical director.

Senior football officials told AFP Amodu was hypertensive and had been on medication.

Keshi assisted Amodu when Nigeria qualified for the 2002 World Cup.

Amodu rose to prominence when he guided BCC Lions of Gboko to the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1991.

He was subsequently rewarded with leading the Super Eagles in 1994.

He would take up the post at least three other times, during which he guided the country to two World Cups. But on both occasions he was not the man in charge at the tournaments.

He was also in charge of top South African club Orlando Pirates between 1996 and 1997.

The Nigerian presidency expressed shock at Amodu’s death.

“Nigeria has lost yet another dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly to bring honour to our country,” Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo said in a statement.

“His life was dedicated to finding and grooming some of Nigeria’s best soccer talents and providing them the leadership and guidance that enabled them to excel.”

AFP

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