Alloysius Atuegbu succumbed to stroke
Although details of his death were unavailable yesterday, Atuegbu, known for power-packed shots in his glorious days in the Green Eagles, was said to have suffered a stroke early yesterday in Keffi, Nasarawa State where he was a coach and died some hours later.
At the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano yesterday, where host Kano Pillars played JUTH FC, a one-minute silence was observed in Atuegbu's honour. Some of the players and fans were seen weeping while others discussed in hush tones what could have happened to the star who played alongside skipper Christian Chukwu, Emma Okala, Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amiesiemaka and others of victorious Green Eagles squad of the 1980s.
When The Guardian contacted Emmanuel Okala yesterday, the former Green Eagles goalkeeper said he heard the news but could not confirm it. But he staid that Atuegbu was said to have suffered stroke in the early hours of yesterday.
He later said that Atuegbu's sister confirmed that he had died. He also said that his elder brother was contacted but he was yet to confirm the death.
Atuegbu was also a member of the Green Eagles squad to the 1978 African Nations Cup in Ghana and the All African Games in Algeria. The Rangers International of Enugu of the 1970s and 80s was his team.
Named the assistant coach of the Under-17 national team in 2002, he was sacked alongside the head coach, Ganiyu Salami, in 2003 due to poor results.
He got the national honour, Member of the Order of the Nigeria (MON) with other players such as Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, Felix Owolabi, the late Muda Lawal for winning the 1980 Nations Cup.
Nigerian Football Association (NFA) spokesman, Ademola Olajire, when contacted said he also heard the news but could not confirm where the deceased died. He was so inconsolable.
|