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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The final farewell for former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, begins today in Lagos. Family, friends, and the football community will gather to honour one of Nigeria’s most decorated shot-stoppers.
The programme, released by his family, details the opening of the ceremonies this Thursday. There will be a service of songs. The presentation of his biography will occur at the Raji Rasaki Estate field, Amuwo-Odofin. This event will take place from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm.
The funeral mass will be held on Friday at the Catholic Church of Visitation, First Avenue, Festac Town, Lagos.
After the mass, Rufai will be laid to rest at the Ikoyi Cemetery. On Sunday, which could have been his birthday, a thanksgiving service is scheduled. It will be held at the Catholic Church of Visitation.
Fondly nicknamed “Dodo Mayana,” Rufai remains one of Nigeria’s most iconic goalkeepers. He represented the country at two FIFA World Cups (1994 in the USA and 1998 in France) and was part of the golden generation that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
The 61-year-old, who died on 3rd July, is remembered not only for his commanding presence between the posts but also for his leadership and commitment to Nigerian football.
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OBITUARY
On the eve of Okwaraji’s death anniversary, Shooting Stars Assistant Coach Dies During Training in Ibadan
On the eve of the 36th anniversary of the tragic on-field death of Samuel Okwaraji, Nigerian football has been struck by another loss as Akin Olowokere, newly appointed assistant coach of Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) side Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), collapsed and died during a training session on Monday morning in Ibadan.
Olowokere, who had only recently joined the club under newly appointed Technical Adviser Nurudeen Aweroro, reportedly collapsed mid-session. Efforts to revive him proved unsuccessful, and the club has not yet disclosed the cause of death.
In an official statement, 3SC paid glowing tribute to the late coach, describing him as more than just a tactician:
“Coach Olowokere was not only a dedicated and passionate football tactician, but also a mentor, friend, and father figure to the players and many others. He exhibited compassion during his short stint with the club and the wider football community. His commitment to the growth and success of our team was unwavering, as we hope his legacy continues to inspire generations to come.”
The club also expressed solidarity with his loved ones, saying:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, players, and the entire Nigerian football family during this difficult time. We stand with them in prayers and solidarity, and we pray for the strength to bear this painful loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Olowokere’s appointment was part of 3SC’s efforts to reinforce their coaching structure ahead of the new NPFL campaign. His sudden passing comes as the football community in Nigeria reflects on the 1989 loss of Super Eagles midfielder Samuel Okwaraji, who collapsed and died during a World Cup qualifier in Lagos.
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Japanese boxing is in mourning after two fighters died from brain injuries sustained in separate bouts on the same bill at Tokyo’s Korakuen Hall.
Shigetoshi Kotari, 28, collapsed shortly after a 12-round draw against OPBF junior lightweight champion Yamato Hata on August 2 and died on Friday following surgery for a subdural haematoma.
A day later, 28-year-old Hiromasa Urakawa died from the same injury after being knocked out by Yoji Saito. He had undergone a craniotomy in a bid to save his life.
The Japanese Boxing Commission has responded by reducing all OPBF title fights from 12 to 10 rounds.
The tragedies follow the death of Irish boxer John Cooney earlier this year from similar injuries sustained in the ring.
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