BY JOE APU

ONE-TIME NFA vice chair­man and Team Manager of the Super Eagles, Bar. Rich­ard Obienu has described the late former Super Eagles coach Shuaib Amodu as a complete gentleman who had a passion for coaching.

“I can’t believe the news of Amodu’s death. Only a few days ago, I was brought to tears with the news of Stephen Keshi and now this one. I worked with both men as Super Eagles Team Man­ager and I can vouch for their integrity and hard work. We went the extra mile to ensure Nigeria’s qualification for the Korea/Japan FIFA World Cup in 2002.

“After the Mali 2002 Na­tions Cup, we were all sacked. The other member of the team was coach Joe Erico who played his role excellently.

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“I’m in shock and cannot understand what is happen­ing. Having undergone opera­tion for my eyes, I had come close to death but survived. I never in my wildest dreams envisaged what is happening our football.”

He said as a coach, Amodu was exceptional and knew his onion. “Many thought he was a proud man but having worked closely with him, I can tell of his simplicity and diligence to work. I pray for the repose of his soul.”