Nigeria’s First Goalkeeper Dies at 91

Ibiam 91, died in the early hours of yesterday at the

Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Umuahia, Abia State.

The nation’s pioneer goal tender who hailed from Unwana, Ebonyi State; the same town with the late nationalist, Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam had a flourishing football career that spanned three decades, fif­teen of which was with the national team.

Chief Jasper Okoro, a retired foot­baller and coach who was mentored by the late Sam Ibiam confirmed the death to Daily Sunsports.

Ibiam’s football skill was identi­fied at the Church of Scotland Mis­sion School (CMS) Unwana before he proceeded to Hope Waddel Insti­tute, Calabar.

In 1949, he was the goalkeeper of the first national football team that toured the United Kingdom; play­ing notable English teams like Liv­erpool FC.

The team eventually metamor­phosed to Green Eagles after the nation’s Independence. He manned the post last for the nation in 1962.

Two notable contemporaries of the late soccer legend were Teslim Balogun and Dan Anyiam.

Chief Okoro described the death as the “exit of the most indefatiga­ble legend of soccer in Nigeria

AS part of activities marking the 120 years of its formation as well as the 30th edition of its annual Gala nite, the Lagos Lawn Tennis Club has bestowed an honorary membership award on the President General of Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo.

President of the club, Barrister Rotimi Edu, said the award was in recognition of the numerous contribu­tions made by Ladipo to the development of sports in the country.

“The role the Supporters Club plays to ensure that national teams win their matches cannot be quantified. These are men and women who go out of their way to raise money and follow the national teams wher­ever they are going and it is important we recognize one individual behind the success of the club,” Edu remarked.

While commending Supporters Club for their pat­riotism, Edu said he would be delighted to see the club on display at a tennis championship as that would help the growth of the game in the country.

Speaking on the award, Ladipo noted that he was delighted to be found worthy to be honoured by the prestigious club even as he pledged that the cordial relationship existing between the two clubs would be strengthened.

A total of eight eminent Nigerians were honoured by the club which is the premier tennis club in the country.