George Hassan Osaile, the Lebanese-Nigerian born football prodigy, who was one of the most sought after midfield maestro in his early age in Nigerian football, was paraded as one of the stars at Sunday’s final of the Federation Cup at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
George Hassan, as he is fondly called, was born on March 30, 1946 by a Lebanese father.
His mum is from Okitipupa in Ondo State, Nigeria.
George Hassan, who grew in the slums of Lagos Island, took to street football as a kid while he was growing up.
His well developed skills during his college days at St. Peters College, Abeokuta, Ogun State caught the attention of a scout that invited him for a trial at the then popular Water Corporation Football Club of Ibadan, whose rivalry with WNDC, now Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan was second to none.
After plying his trade in Ibadan, Oyo State for some time, Hassan moved to Asaba Textile Mill, now in Delta State.
He later moved to the then New Nigerian Bank FC of Benin, which won the West African Football Union Cup.
From 1967 to 1969, Hassan continued his career at the famous Stationery Stores Football Club, Lagos, helping the team to win the Federation Cup in 1967 and 1968.
He left the club due to the death of the founder, Israel Adebajo, to a rival club in Lagos, ECN FC, in 1970, where he won the Federation Cup just as if he was destined to win the Federation Cup with every team he played for.
He left Lagos after a while to continue where he left his football business in Ibadan, with IICC Shooting Stars FC to win the Federation Cup and later moved to Leventis United to also win the cup in 1984.
He also won the Cup as a manager with Leventis United years later, making him one of the few who has won the cup both as a player and manager.
His tally in the Federation Cup was seven during his football career that spanned over two decades.
George Hassan had a wonderful International tutelage under George Penna of Brazil, Samuel Eto Amaechina, Marotzke of Germany, Father Tiko of Yugoslavia to mention but a few.
Amongst those who featured in the 2014 Federation Cup “Parade of Stars” were Jonathan Nwaiwu, Herbert Omokhaye, Kadiri Ikhana, Peter Fregene, Yomi Peters, Peter Aneike and Festus Bolaji.
Also included in the roll of honours were Ayo Ositelu, Aloysius Atuegbu, Sunny Dankoro, Ogidi Ibeabuchi, all of blessed memory.
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