Nigeria’s first goalkeeper dies at 91

Samuel Ibiam, Nigeria’s first goalkeeper, is dead.
Ibiam 91, died in the early hours of Wednesday at the Federal Medical Centre Umuahia, Abia State.
The nation’s pioneer goal tender, who hailed from Unwana, Ebonyi State, the same town with the late nationalist, Ezeogo Akanu Ibiam, had a flourishing football career that spanned three decades, 15 of which was with the national team.
Chief Jasper Okoro, a retired footballer and coach, who was mentored by the late Sam Ibiam, confirmed his death.
Ibiam’s football skill was identified at the Church of Scotland Mission School, Unwana before he proceeded to Hope Waddel Institute, Calabar.
In 1947, he was the goalkeeper of the first national football team that toured the United Kingdom, playing notable English teams like Liverpool FC.
The team eventually metamorphosed to Green Eagles after the nation’s Independence. He manned the post last for the nation in 1962.
Two notable contemporaries of the late soccer legend were Teslim Balogun and Dan Anyiam.
Chief Okoro described the death as the “exit of the most indefatigable legend of soccer in Nigeria”.
He called on the Ebonyi State Government to honour this fallen hero, including participating fully in his funeral.