Shuaibu Amodu

Football administrators and other stakeholders in the country have described the death of former Super Eagles Coach, Shuaibu Amodu as tragic, and called for prayers to stop the trend.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews that the trend of recording deaths in days’ interval was beyond their imaginations.

NAN reports that Amodu, 58, died on Friday night in Benin after he complained of chest pain.

He was the Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and a four-time coach of the Super Eagles.

Amodu had died three days after the death of another former coach of the Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi, 54.

Dr Felix Owolabi, popularly called `Owo-Blow’ said that it was a tragic incident and trend that called for serious concern.

The ex-international said that it was unfortunate that Amodu died at a time Nigerian football was in crisis, and stressed the need to call for prayers to stop the trend.

“We will miss him a lot. I pray that God Almighty will grant the family the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ he said.

Dr Steve Olarinoye, a former Head of International Department at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), described the death of Amodu as a rude shock.

According to him, the news of his death came suddenly after the people are still mourning Keshi.

“I got the news this morning from my boss, Alhaji Sanni Toro and I was very sad. Why Amodu again? I think we need prayers on this,’’ he said.

He said that he doesn’t know why such was happening to the nation’s football family, saying they have all served the nation very well.

Olarinoye prayed that God grant him eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Coach Gbenga Ogubote of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) said that that news was beyond one’s imagination, saying that he was short of words.

“How many days now that we lost Keshi? This is a great loss to the football family and the nation. We need serious prayers,’’ he said.

Mr Gboyega Makinde, the Ag, General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council said that the death of both Keshi and Amodu within a week was a bad omen that requires prayer.

Makinde described the situation as unexpected, adding that such were great loss to the nation and football family.

Also, Mr Niyi Alebiosu, the Chairman, Sport Writers’ Association of Nigeria(SWAN), Oyo State Chapter described Amodu’s death as a rude shock and great loss.

Also, football lovers in Yenagoa have expressed shock and sadness over the death of the former Super Eagles Coach and the Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amodu Shaibu.

Mr Isaac Ebimor, a sports analyst, said he was yet to believe the news that Amodu has passed on after three days of Keshi’s demise.

“I am yet to recover from the psychological shock of the death of keshi, now another great coach is gone; it is a pity for the families of these great men that had just lost their lives within a week.

“It will be difficult to fill the vacuum their death had created as they contributed much to football and coaching development in the country and world at large,” he said.

Mr Daniel Azibola, Head Coach Kolo Football Club Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa, said the death of Amodu and Keshi had robbed the country of a celebrated world footballer and coaches of international standard.

“I received the news of Amodu’s death with shock and surprise this morning.

“Both died at a time when upcoming football stars in the country could have tapped from their wealth of experience as footballers and coaches,” he said.

Mr Ebitimi Simon, former Sports Director in Ministry of Youths and Sports, described the death of Amodu as a very big loss to the football industry in Nigeria and the world at large.

“Why must Keshi and Amodu died now when their wealth of experience is highly needed as celebrated footballer and coaches.

“Keshi and Amodu will be remembered for their hard work, patriotism and good leadership when it comes to football and coaching.

“May their perfect souls rest in perfect peace, “he said (NAN)