By Rasaq Oboirien
THE management of Nigeria Premier League side, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan plans to retire the No.24 jersey in honor of late defender, Izu Joseph, reports NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com.
Team Manager of the Oluyole Warriors and ex-junior international, Oladimeji Lawal disclosed in a chat at the team's pre-season camp in Ijebu-Ode.
"I must confess that Izu's demise has left a void in the team as he was a dependable defender. When things were tough for the club last season, he displayed true professionalism scoring that vital goal against Wikki Tourists of Bauchi to the delight of a pack full Adamasingba stadium."
Recall that victory confirmed the Oluyole War Lords topflight status as they went ahead to finish 14th on the NPL log.
"The club didn't forget all of this as delegates were sent by the club to his funeral last Saturday and an undisclosed sum was also presented to his family to support his burial rite.
"It is not going to stop there as the club has deemed it fit to honor him by retiring his favorite jersey number 24.
"3SC also plan to raise funds for his family by organizing a novelty game in his honor. His wife, daughter other family members, playing mates and other Nigeria Premier League stars will be invited to be part in the game.
"Proceeds from the gate takings will be donated to his family too."
Recall Izu was shot dead by unknown members of the Army Joint Military Task Force (JTF) who mistook him for a militant as they claimed that they found him and some members of a militant group at a shrine in his home town, Okaki Rivers State.
