Former Cranes of Uganda Coach, Harrison Okagbue, has called for urgent measures to bridge the generational gap created by the death of two former Super Eagles’ coaches with a week.
The coaches, Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu, died during brief illnesses on May 7 and May 11 in Benin respectively.
Keshi, also a former Captained of the national team, had won the Africa Cup of Nations as a player and as a coach in 1994 and 2013 respectively.
Amodu on the other hand, had coached the team four times, qualifying it for two World Cups in 2002 and 2010, but was not allowed to manage the Super Eagles at the occasions.
Amodu was buried in his home town, Okpella on Saturday according to Muslim rites.
Okagbue, who described the deaths as unfortunate developments in Nigerian football, said that death was a definite end for everyone and urged people to always be at peace with God.
Okagbue, an ex-Rangers International player,who had coached Elkanemi Warriors, Jasper United and Mighty Jets of Jos at various times, there was need to instal measures to enhance coaches’ welfare and training.
He said that “the mangers of the nation’s football should act now to close the generational gap created by the death of the experienced coaches.
“Death is an inevitable end of man, it’s a natural call which we all must answer in due time.
“It is painful and only God has the key to life; we cannot question his decisions, it’s painful that two key members of our profession have to go in a twinkle of an eye,’’ Okagbue said.
He said that Amodu was his friend and colleague with whom he related well during his coaching days in the Nigerian Professional Football League.
“Amodu did well for this country’s football; he deserves the best respect in death.
“We were good friends and colleagues, when I was at Elkanemi, he was in BCC Lions of Gboko and we interacted cordially and most times, he allows his action to speak for him.
“It is now time for Nigerian football managers to look for one most suitable for his role because the game has to go on,’’ he said.
Reacting to Amodu’s death, a football administrator, Olisa Aniuno, said his demise had created a trying period for Nigerian football and called for prayers for God’s intervention.
Aniuno noted that Amodu was always there to salvage the country’s image in difficult times.
“Amodu was a man for Nigeria in times of football challenges, he helped this country to qualify for key competitions and was not allowed to attend.
“And that explains why he was in charge for four times.
“It’s a trying moment for us, it’s a time for sober reflection, but we should be consoled because they Amodu and Keshi did well for themselves and the country.
“I believe that God will reward them in eternity,’’ he said.
Former Green Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala, said he was still in shock as he had yet to get over the death of Stephen Keshi.
Okala said it was sad that the cold hands of death had taken a notable generation of Nigerian football technocrats who were still bubbling with energy and experience.
“I am worried about what is happening, just as we are coming to terms with Keshi’s death, Amodu died.
“It is painful that we are losing a generation in our football history so soon and within a short period,’’ he said.
Nigerian international Chibuzor Okonkwo told NAN that Amodu was a father to players who worked with him, saying he would miss him sorely.
Okonkwo, who is the Captain of Nnewi-based FC Ifeanyi Ubah, said that it was difficult for him to believe the story of Amodu’s death.
He said the Edo-born tactician changed his football career when he invited him to the national camp in 2009.
“Amodu was not just a coach but a father to players that played under him; I find it difficult to believe his death is true because he has a special place in my life.
“Coach Amodu took my game further by giving me my first national call up to the Super Eagles in 2009, so it’s a great loss to football generally.
“My prayer is that God should grant him eternal rest and to his family the fortitude to bear the loss,’’ he said.
NAN
