The Edo Sports Commission boss was speaking at the residence of the late Coach Sebastien Brodricks Imasuen when he lead the executives of the Commission on a condolence visit to the family of the late World Cup winning coach on Wednesday.
Alli said that late Coach Imasuen, he fondly called Sabara, will be missed greatly, describing him as an open minded jolly fellow.
“Late Coach Sebastien Brodricks Imasuen paid his dues and he put Edo and Nigeria Football in the world map. He will always be remembered for the legacy he left behind, being the first Nigerian and African coach to win FIFA World Cup.
“Late Imasuen won the under 17 World Cup for Nigeria in China in 1985. That feat can never be forgotten. It is in the FIFA record as a pioneer coach with great success and honour for his country.
“We are here on behalf of Edo State sports family and the state government to sympathize with you on the passing of your father Coach Brodricks Imasuen and to assure you of our support as you mourn him and prepare for the burial ceremony.
“We have informed the Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on the passing. He is aware. I know that our government is with you people. We will not leave you alone madam. As a government we will do what is necessary to support you.
“Please, promptly give us all necessary information concerning the burial arrangement to let us know where to come in. We want to request the family to allow his lying-in-state to be done at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium so that his sports family can pay him the last respect.”
Olympian Yusuf Alli who was at the residence of late Coach Brodricks Imasuen in company of the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Sports Commission, Dr. Emmanuel Igbinosa, Hon.Frank Ilaboya, the Executive Director, Marketing and Business Management of the Sports Commission and some other staff as well as Mr. Austin Popo, the Secretary of the Nigeria’s Players Union were received by the widow of late Imasuen, Mrs Helen Brodricks Imasuen and his son, Mr Efosa Brodricks Imasuen including some other members of the family of the late football icon at his residence at No.10 Omozogie Street off Jemide Avenue,GRA Benin. His burial ceremony is being fixed for Thursday, February 22, 2024.
