OBITUARY
Lagos sports writers mourn Adeyinka Adebayo
The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN), has expressed deep sorrow over the death of one of its members, Adeyinka Adebayo. Until his death on Tuesday, he was the head of sports desk at Eko FM/Radio Lagos.
He was also a director at the Lagos State Ministry of Information. Sports writers in Lagos State have continued to mourn and celebrate Adebayo for his professionalism, commitment, and contributions to the growth of sports journalism in the state.
Debo Oshundun, the Chairman, Lagos SWAN, expressed deep sorrow. “I am devastated. ‘Yinka was among my greatest supporters and confidants. He was very close to me, and his passing has left me deeply saddened.
“I called him ‘Woli Agba.’ I am lost for words in describing what his death means to me personally and Lagos SWAN as an organisation,” Oshundun remarked.
According to him, the late Adebayo was a multifaceted individual who left a lasting impact on Lagos SWAN members as a mentor, friend and colleague. “He believes his legacy of dedication and kindness will continue to resonate within the sports writing fraternity and ensure his memory endures.”
Dapo Sotuminu, former Group Sports Editor of Compass Newspapers, remarked: “Apostle Yinka Adebayo, may your soul rest in perfect peace. May the good Lord take care of the children you left behind. A good guy just left us” .
Ace broadcaster and CEO of AfroSports, Deji Omotoyinbo commented in similar fashion. “Terrible news A real gentleman. Rest in peace Yinka.”
Former Lagos SWAN Chairman and Sports Editor of Vanguard Newspaper, Tony Ubani wrote, “Yinka is, without doubt, the definition of a gentleman I have met. He was compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile. God has called him back to his Kingdom, where there is no pain or cry. Rest in peace, my man of God, as I usually called him.”
Another respected member of Lagos SWAN and current Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Nneka Ikem Anibeze, remarked that Adebayo was too young to die!
Condolence messages have continued to pour in from members as well as heartfelt condolences to the family and friends for the strength to bear this irreparable loss while they pray for his soul to rest in perfect peace.
Spanish fifth-division goalkeeper Raul Ramirez has died at the age of 19 following a collision during a match for his club Colindres, the Cantabrian Football Federation (RFCF) said on Monday.
Ramirez sustained a head injury during Saturday’s game against Revilla, with Spanish media reporting that the impact led to multiple cardiac arrests and left him brain dead.
The RFCF announced three days of mourning and said a minute’s silence would be observed at all matches next week in his memory.
-Reuters
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Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the two Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs announced late on Saturday.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 during his first stint at the club, before returning to the side in 2021 and guiding them back to the top-flight after two seasons in the second tier.
He left Liverpool in February, with his last coaching role coming in a brief spell in charge of Burnley between June and August.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.”
Beard began his managerial career at Millwall before moving to Chelsea in 2009. He also coached West Ham United, Boston Breakers and Bristol City.
-Reuters
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OBITUARY
Grand master, Danladi Bako pays tribute to the late journalist and football agent, Chris Eseka
Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako, who masterminded the television programme, Mastesports on the NTA network, has paid glowing tributes to one of the anchors of the programme, Chris Eseka, who was also a former sports journalist and football agent.
In the tribute titled:” A Master Departs for Home”, Dr Bako remarks:
In 1991, at the National Stadium Surulere, after watching a boxing event together, along with Group Captain Brai Ayonote, former Boxing Federation Chairman, I told Chris I wanted him to join Paul Bassey and Sam John as a presenter for my new programme, Mastersports”, scheduled for live transmission soon on NTA 2.
He looked at me and was quiet for a while. I said, “What do you think?”, he replied “But I am not a TV presenter nah”.
I said I will train you, besides even SJ (Sam John) of the Sunday Times is on the show and Paul Bassey.
He then said,”I will do it if you say so”.
“MasterSports” went on air one February Saturday, at noon on NTA 2 Channel 5. Chris became part of the success story.
Always ready to learn, always ready to improve and ever so humble, especially the way he handled fame. He mentored so many sportswriters as well as young footballers and advised even the established stars.
Before 1992, we had travelled severally times together to cover football matches all over Africa, like the Nigeria versus Cameroon World Cup qualifying in Yaounde in 1989.
Same with tournaments like the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi ’89 in Saudi Arabia and Algiers ’90 in Algeria.
Chris had the respect of such big-time coaches as Amodu Shaibu and Concord Publisher Bashorun MKO Abiola, and we regularly saw the Pillar of Sports together. Sometimes, without earlier plans, on a normal Saturday afternoon, we could hop into my car and drive to Abeokuta to watch Abiola Babes trade tackles with Leventis United just like that.
In 1994, I arrived in Tunis a day late for the opening ceremony of the CAF/AFCON tourney and couldn’t get a room at Hotel Diplomat, where the team was lodged, Chris opened his doors at room 108 for me to share with him.
I can go on and on about this very reliable friend and brother.
Chris was a committed sports journalist, refined, diligent and professional. When Tony Ubani and Frank Ilaboya of Sportsville gave me an award for Sports some years ago, I dedicated it to Chris.
Rest in peace, my brother. This was very hard to write. Good night, Chris Eseka, one of the Masters!
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