By; AYO OJEDOKUN Lagos.
Plans have been concluded by friends of the late Super Eagles coaches, Shuaibu Amodu and Stephen Keshi in conjunction with the Lagos State Government to organise a testimonial football match in their honour on July 23, at the main bowl of Teslim Balogun, Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
According to the Committee Chairman Dr. Rafiu Oladipo, the committee made up of sports writers, ex- footballers and members of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club will be inviting some musicians to perform at the memorial match which will be used to raise funds for the families of the departed coaches even as he announced that both former and present Nigerian internationals will be involved in the game.
“Amodu and Keshi served the country well and as their friends we felt there is need for us to organise a memorial football match for them which will involve both former and present crop of Super Eagles players. This would be followed by Musical Concert where prominent Nigerian musicians and comedians would perform in the entertainment aspect of the programme and this aspect will be coordinated by veteran musician, Chris Mba.
“We also intend to use the match to raise funds for the families of the departed patriotic Nigerians who brought smiles to the faces of Nigerians while alive and we will like all Nigerians to support us in ensuring that the event becomes a huge success’’, concluded Oladipo who also doubles as President General of Nigeria Football Supporters Club .
Coordinator of the event, Effiong Nyong further stressed that Amodu and Keshi must be celebrated with fanfare as they left solid footprints on the sands of time and as such deserves to be celebrated.
Nyong hinted that the focus of the committee may extend to make the event annual, as the success of the July 23 event will go a long way in determining what happens next.
