Veteran Nigerian World Cup-winning coach, Sebastian Broderick is dead
Sadly, Chuka Imasuen, the son of the late coach, had last year made a passionate appeal for support while he revealed his father had a stroke and diabetes, which the family had spent millions on.
Coach Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, fondly remembered as the architect of Nigeria's first World Cup win is dead at 85.
Coach Broderick-Imasuen, who had been battling illness for some time, passed away early Wednesday morning.
His legacy is etched in the annals of Nigerian football history. In 1985, at the helm of the Golden Eaglets, he led them to a glorious victory in the inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup held in China.
This historic triumph ignited a spark of hope and pride in the nation, paving the way for future generations of Nigerian football stars.
Beyond his World Cup feat, Coach Broderick-Imasuen's contributions to the beautiful game are vast and varied.
He donned the green and white stripes of the Nigerian national team himself, representing the country at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.
His talent shone on the domestic stage as well, where his iconic free-kick goal led Bendel Insurance to victory in the 1972 Challenge Cup.
His coaching career blossomed, reaching its zenith in 1985. He masterfully guided the Golden Eaglets to their unforgettable triumph, repeating the feat of reaching the final in 1987, albeit falling short on penalties.
He steered the team through the tournament once more in 1989, guiding them to the quarterfinals.
His commitment to Nigerian football extended beyond his own successes.
He played a pivotal role as assistant to Coach Clemens Westerhof, contributing to the Super Eagles' golden era.
Coach Broderick-Imasuen was a pioneer, a coach who inspired countless young Nigerians to take to the field and dream of achieving greatness.
His legacy goes beyond trophies and accolades; it lies in the spirit of resilience, teamwork, and dedication he instilled in his players and all who admired him.
Sadly, Chuka Imasuen, the son of the late coach, had last year made a passionate appeal for support while he revealed his father had a stroke and diabetes, which the family had spent millions on.
Perhaps, help from the right quarters could have given Coach Broderick-Imasuen a little more time on the face of the earth... RIP Coach
