Dr. Felix Akinloye Owolabi(Owo Blow), who was one of the arrowheads of the historic first win of the African Cup of Nations by the Nigerian national football team in 1980, has reiterated that the role Edo State has played in the history of Nigerian football cannot be ignored.
He affirmed “that’s the reason we have decided to come here to support the people of Edo State to usher in a new governor.”
The ex-national team star was speaking on the sideline of the novelty cum victory match organised in honour of the incoming governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Sunday evening.
He stressed that the match “is a forum for me to express myself and the happiness and the joy that I have for the people of Edo State.”
Talking about his assessment of the match, Owolabi said: “It has been wonderful. We came here to honour the governor-elect of Edo State(Senator Monday Okpebholo).
“You know football has no boundaries. It’s comradeship. As a result of that we’re looking at the role that Edo State has played in Nigerian football and that’s the reason we have decided to come here to support the people of Edo State to usher in a new governor.”
Responding to a question on secret behind his dexterity on the field of play that evening, Owolabi, who will be celebrating his 70th birthday on Tuesday, November 24th, said: “It’s something that I have been used to over the years right from my youth to this moment. Occasionally, I take time to do some kind of exercises.
“When I was told I will come here(to participate in the match) I needed to prepare myself so that I don’t disgrace the people because I know very well that a great number of people will want to come and see the Owo Blow once again.”
The ex-internationals, whose jersey Owolabi dorned in the match, defeated the friends of Akpakomiza by 2-1 goals with the outgoing deputy governor of the state, Comrade Philip Shaibu, scoring one of the goals.
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