*Describes World Cup winning coach as celebrated sportsman
By; AYO OJEDOKUN, Lagos
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, has mourned the passing of veteran footballer and seasoned coach, Sebastian Brodericks lmasuen.
The deceased was Nigeria’s first World Cup winning coach, who led the Golden Eaglets to win the inaugural Kodak-FIFA U-17 Championship in 1985, hosted by China.
Coach Sebastian Brodericks lmasuen died at the age of 85 years at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, UBTH, after battling to stay alive since 2022 when he was diagnosed of stroke.
In his condolence message, the sports-loving Deputy Governor stated:
” It is with rude shock that I received news of the passing of Sebastian Brodericks lmasuen”.
” He was a celebrated sportsman and a seasoned coach, who took Nigeria football to the global stage when he won for our great country, the first-ever FIFA U – 17 World Cup, hosted by China in 1985″.
“It is on record that the historic feat achieved by this Edo-born football czar brought about a spectacular revolution in youth football in Nigeria and across the continent of Africa”.
“For me, his demise is certainly not in vain, having carved a niche for himself and left behind, indelible footprints in the sands of time as a world-class celebrity in the round leather game”.
“I commiserate with the Nigerian football family, particularly the bereaved family members, friends and associates over the loss of an iconic football superstar”.
“May his gentle soul rest peacefully in the bosom of the Almighty Creator”, Shaibu added.
