"NOT too long ago, the cold hands of death dealt us a bitter blow - the demise of Stephen Keshi, one who Nigerians were still mourning. In an instant, we have been made to wake up to yet another shocker.
"To receive the news of the death of Shuaibu Amodu, another ex-coach of the Super Eagles left me completely shocked and glum and I'm quite sure Nigerians feel same."
Until his death, Amodu was the Technical Director of the Nigerian Football Federation.
"He has always been someone I respected and valued so much, especially when one considers
his contributions to the growth of the game in Nigeria.
"I vividly remember him being part of the post-match meeting of the entire coaching crew and players of the Super Eagles in Kaduna after Nigeria vs Egypt match and his contributions to that meeting reaffirmed his knowledge and complete grasp of the game of football.
When the news of his death was confirmed, I remember asking
myself, "Is this not the same Shuaibu Amodu that I watched call into a programme on one of our television stations two days ago talking about the late Keshi's life as a footballer, coach and his impact in Nigerian football as an entity?"
"What more can I say! We have yet again lost one of the biggest influence in the football sector of our country. Nigeria has yet again lost another football icon.
"I, therefore, wish to sympathize with the Shuaibus as I join the entire football community to mourn the great loss. Amodu was an immense inspiration to all who knew him and his glorious exit has left indelible cracks in our hearts."
"Indeed, we are in mourning. I also wish to add that we at The Authority Newspapers will commence the gathering of records of our ex-Coaches and Players who have contributed immensely to the growth of football in this country, especially the forgotten ones and their families, so that we could work out welfare packages for them in appreciation of their contributions to the Nation.
"I believe that it is better to take good care of our patriots while they still live than honouring them posthumously.
"The truth is that this was a very difficult piece to write. Having to type the words "Rest in Peace" for a second time to another ex-coach within the space of two days has been heartbreaking and gut-wrenching....but then, I am left with little or no choice."
