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OBITUARY

Yet another Nigeria football July immemorial: Rangers first goalkeeper and father of ex-Super Eagle is 24 in eternity

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Cyril Okosieme in his early days at Enugu Rangers in 1970

Not many may remember him, but he was the first goalkeeper of the famous Enugu Rangers when it was newly established in the early 1970s.

This Saturday marks 24 years since Cyril Okosieme, the founding goalkeeper of Enugu Rangers who died on 29 July 1999. According to one of his sons, Nnamdi Okosieme who is an accomplished sports journalist, Cyril Okosieme died in Owerri, Imo State.

He left Rangers for Bendel Insurance FC of Benin (then Vipers of Benin) in 1972.

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Cyril Okosieme (middle) during his days at Enugu Rangers

He was the father of Nigerian international, Ndubuisi Okosieme, who was a member of the Nigeria national team that had the runners-up position at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations – the team that was nicknamed ‘Super Eagles’ on 29 March 1988 by Vice Admiral Augustus Aikhomu.

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Days at Bendel Insurance: Okosieme (middle) with Ghanaian Ebenezer Badger (left)  and an unidentified player.

Ndubuisi was also a member of the Flying Eagles team that placed third at the Soviet 1985 World Youth Championship that is now called U20 World Cup.

Another offspring of Cyril Okosieme is the four-time Women’s World Cup veteran,   Nkiru Okosieme, who also captained of the Super Falcons.

Cyril Okosieme was the Assistant Coach of Insurance when they beat Enugu Rangers 3-0 in the final of the 1978 Challenge Cup.

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Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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OBITUARY

At last, Peter Fregene passes away

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Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami who has been at the forefront of the life-saving efforts for former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has broken the sad news of the goalkeeper.

He announced that Fregene passed on, aged 77, surrounded by his wife and two of his children.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past one week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,”  Odegbami wrote on Sunday.

Fregene, was a member of the Nigerian team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He last played for Nigeria on 13 March 1982 when Nigeria lost 3-0 to Zambia in a Group B AFCON match in Benghazi.

For years, he had been battling with illness and spent the last week on life-support.

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OBITUARY

Doyen of Morocco sports journalism, Belaid Bouimid is dead

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The Late Belaïd Bouimid

Moroccan Journalist, great expert on sports, poet with a sharp pen and above all a precursor of press cartoons in Morocco, Belaïd Bouimid passed away on Monday.

According to Moroccan publication, 360 Sport, Bouimid passed on after a long and courageous fight against illness. He was 75 years old.

He was reportedly admitted to at a clinic in Casablanca where he underwent yet another surgical operation after his health deteriorated. Belaïd Bouimid was used to getting back up. But not this time. The dean of Moroccan journalists, a true big brother to all sports journalists in the country, he passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 75.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself not only through his expertise and love for sports but also through his intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

He was not just a journalist but a deeply cultured man, attuned to the evolving artistic, literary, and cultural landscapes. His sports analyses were often enriched with cultural references, giving him a unique and original perspective.

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His humanity, sharp mind, and insightful view of the world inspired many generations, whether in the editorial offices or the artistic circles he cherished so much.

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OBITUARY

Former AIPS-Africa president, Mitchell Obi mourns the dean of Moroccan journalists

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Late Belaid Bouimid

“Really sad. ” That was the first reaction of Mitchell Obi, the immediate past president of continental sports writing body, AIPS-Africa, after learning of the passage of Belaid Bouimid, the dean of sports journalists in Morocco.

 Continuing, Obi remarked: “The exit of a reliable and splendid voice. Unforgettable times with a friend who gave his utmost to lift the African sporting press.

“Belaid was brilliant in his communication style and he created laughter from nothing. Simple, self effacing but deeply functional.

“He remains my President and Africa will cherish the sterling contributions of one who truly launched AIPS Africa from its heritage of ASJU.

“A companion for all seasons, my tearful heart goes to the family and friends in Casablanca, Morocco and beyond.

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All that goes returns. Rest well Belaid Boumid … you left us with plenty to remember you by.”

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