Ex-Nigerian youth star is lucky to be alive after a rocket his home in Israel
By Oluwashina OkelejiFootball Writer, Nigeria
Last updated on
24 May 202124 May 2021.From the section Sport Africa
Former Nigeria under-23 player Ibezito Ogbonna was treated in hospital for some minor injuries after his apartment was hit by a rocket
Former Nigeria under-23 striker Ibezito Ogbonna says he is lucky to be alive after his apartment in the Israeli city of Ashdod was hit by a rocket fired from Gaza last week.
The 38-year-old, who won the Israeli Cup with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2006 and 2007, was at home with his wife and two young daughters when the building suffered a direct hit.
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Brazavile, Okala’s best game
On
By Emeka Obasi
There was everything extraordinary about Green Eagles goalkeeper, Emmanuel Anthony Oguejiofo Okala when he demobilised one of Africa’s best, Diables Rouges (Red Devils) at the Revolution Stadium, Brazaville on July 13, 1975. The Congolese may yet recover from that shock 1-0 defeat.
It was the Second Round of the Ethiopia ’76 African Nations Cup qualifiers. Sunny Oyarekhua put the Nigerians ahead in the very first minute. And that was the last anyone saw of the visitors. The next 89 minutes were played away from the Devil’s half.
Congo won the Cameroon ’72 African Nations Cup. They finished fourth at the next Championships and were the only team that beat eventual winners, Leopards of Congo Democratic Republic (Zaire). That same year, 1974, CARA of Brazaville lifted the African Cup for Champion Clubs ( today’s CAF Champions League).
The President thanked the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations Winner for inspiring many with his brand of patriotism and dedication to duty each time he donned the national colours on duty.
President said Okala is worthy of honour and celebration as a coach and mentor who has helped many footballers succeed in their chosen careers.
The President prayed Almighty God to grant the elder statesman more memorable years of health and fulfilment in all his endeavours.
It will be recalled that Okala apart from being a member of the victorious 1980 Green Eagles was the first Nigeria to win the African Footballer of the Year award in 1978.