By Baron Ike
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Wednesday, June 21 expressed shock over the death of former Nigeria international player and one-time Head Coach of the Supersand Eagles, Kelechi Emeteole.
Emetole died at 66 in the wee hours of Wednesday, June 21 in India over surgery related complications from throat cancer.
In his heir days, Emeteole, who won 17 caps for the Senior National Team (then known as Green Eagles) and scored four goals, between 1975 and 1977.
Nicknamed ‘Caterpillar’ for his no –nonsense approach as a defender, Emeteole won a bronze medal with the Green Eagles at the 10th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ethiopia in 1976, and later served as assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
He also coached elite domestic teams Enyimba FC, Rangers International, Lobi Stars, Heartland FC and El-Kanemi Warriors, and between 2007 and 2009 was Head Coach of the Beach Soccer National Team, Supersand Eagles.
NFF Secretary General, Mohammed Sanusi told thenff.com:“The death of Kelechi Emeteole came to us as a rude shock. A year ago, we lost two legends in the persons of Stephen Keshi and Shaibu Amodu in the month of June.
“This year, also in the month of June, we have now lost another legend who served the nation creditably, energetically and meritoriously.
“Our hearts go out to his caring family that he has now left: his doting wife and children as well as relations. We pray that they will have the fortitude to bear the loss.
“We also pray that the soul of the departed finds eternal rest. Nigerian Football will miss him dearly.”