Chidi Ofo Okenwa, the late Enugu State Football Association Chairman, was on Friday laid to rest in his country home in Obinagu-Uno, Akpugo, Nkanu East Local Government Area of the state.
Okenwa’s body started its last journey home from Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre Mortuary, Enugu, made a brief stopover at the Enugu State Football Association officem down to his residence in Enugu, before moving to his home town.
The late chairman was a member of the Nigeria Football Federation Executive Committee; Chairman, NationWide League One; and member of many other football bodies before his death.
Some football family members, who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria during the burial, described Okenwa as “a professor in football”.
Amaju Pinnick, President of NFF, described Okenwa as a cerebral and eloquent figure in the nation’s football family.
Pinnick, who was represented by Akwa Ibom State FA Chairman, Emmanuel Ibah, said tOkenwa’s death had robbed Nigeria’s football of a colourful, capable and diligent administrator.
He said: “Okenwa’s enthusiasm was unmatched by many and his sense of duty fiercely challenged senior colleagues, peers and youngsters.
“Certainly, we mourn with a deep sense of loss this early departure of a cerebral and eloquent figure in the NFF Executive Committee.
Tony Ugwu, who was Okenwa’s vice, described him as “an icon in football administration and development”.
Ugwu said: “The song may be over, but the melody will linger on.
“Indeed an icon has fallen and a big Iroko tree has fallen at the time Enugu State football and Nigeria at large needed him standing.
“Okenwa was a man who believed in doing things the correct way as he always told those around him that it is better to do the correct thing than the other way round.
“He always told those around him to be fast in learning because one day he will not be there as ENSFA chairman, but unknown to us that it is going to be in this manner.
“Late chairman was a grassroots football developer.
“He always called each player by surname during screening for grassroots football in the state.”
The Chairman, Enugu Football Coaches Council, Dominic Nwobodo, said: “Oyi, it is painful that you left us now that we needed you most.
“God knows why, since you never wanted to be carried from one hospital to another.
“It is not that the money to take you to India was not there, but you decided to rest in the bosom of the Lord.
“May God accept your gentle soul.
“Football families in Nigeria, South East, especially Enugu State, will miss you and your wealth of experience.”
NAN.
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