By Ogochukwu Isioma
Edo State Deputy Governor, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu, has described the demise of U-17 World Cup winning Coach, Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen, as a collosal loss whose vacuum cannot be easily filled by the Nigerian football family.
The Deputy Governor spoke Monday at the residence of the deceased coach, when he led some of his aides and political associates on a condolence visit to the bereaved family of World Cup winning coach.
According to Shaibu: “The demise of Coach Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen is not just a huge loss to Edo State, but Nigeria in general”.
“He was the first Nigerian National Team Coach who won the inaugural edition of the 1985 FIFA U-17 World Cup in China”.
“We are here to commiserate with you, the immediate family of our late coach, knowing that by the grace of God, he is in heaven,resting”.
“Coach Sebastian has written his name in gold in the heart of God and man, because of what he used his talent to do for our country in Africa and the world at large”.
“When nobody gave us a chance as a continent, he proved to the world that the World Cup is not only for the other continents, but it was the turn of Africa to rewrite history. He eventually won the 1985 FIFA U-17 World Cup”.
“We are not mourning his death, but celebrating the life of a man, who came into the world, saw and conquered the battlefield”.
“Sebastian made us believe that when you discover talent, you must try and develop that talent you discovered. We have a lot to celebrate about him. We thank God that he has left all of us behind to emulate him and keep alive what he lived for”.
“For the immediate family he left behind, I can assure you that you are not alone. I am with you, Edo people and Nigerians are with you”, Shaibu added.
Earlier in his remarks, the deceased son, Efosa Brodricks-Imasuen, appreciated the Deputy Governor for his support to his late father, while noting that death is inevitable.
Late Coach Sebastian Brodricks-Imasuen died on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at the age of 85 years.
According to credible family sources, the funeral ceremony has been fixed for February 22, 2024.
