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Former vice-presidential candidate Peter Obi on Thursday paid tributes to former Green Eagles goalkeeper Joe Erico.
Erico was also part of the coaching crew that led the Super Eagles to the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations tournament and also helped the team qualify for the 2002 AFCON and World Cup.
He recently died in Lagos at the age of 72 after a brief illness.
In his condolence message, Mr Obi described Erico as a committed sportsman who served the nation well, both as a player and as a coach.
Obi noted Erico’s football exploits that earned him the nickname “Jogo Bonito”. He stated that Erico’s sacrifices, achievements and legacies in Nigeria’s football sector will always be remembered.
By Amaechi Agbo
President Muhammadu Buhari is saddened to learn of the passing of former Nigeria senior team goalkeeper and one-time assistant coach of the Super Eagles, Joe Erico. Commiserating with the family of the legendary player and tactician, as well as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the President avers that the nation will forever remember him for his tireless devotion to duty, ensuring victory for Nigeria when it mattered most in football. President Buhari believes that Coach Erico’s guidance as a veteran would have availed much for the Nigerian football community, but it pleased his Maker to call him home at such a time.
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Mosunmola Eric, wife of former Super Eagles goalkeeper and assistant coach, Joe Erico, who died on Thursday at the age of 71, says her husband had been ill for three days and complained of body pains before his death, The PUNCH reports.
The widow, who confirmed the death to our correspondent, said she found her husband dead when she tried to wake him up on Thursday morning.
“He was ill for about three days and we took him to the hospital, he complained of body pain. He was okay and we came back home. But just yesterday (Wednesday) night, he started feeling somehow and he later slept. I tried to wake him up this morning but he was stone dead,” Mosunmola said.
Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid ✔️ @Arsenal
Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved. pic.twitter.com/IUohEjFKVK
The Australian goalkeeper celebrating his move tweeted: Signing for the club you grew up supporting as a kid Heavy check mark @Arsenal. Buzzing to be beginning this new chapter and will give everything I’ve got to contribute to the first club I ever loved.
Maty Ryan who becomes Arsenal’s first signing of the January window will wear the number 33 jersey during his stay at the club.
A Great Loss to Nigeria
” Erico dead? This is so unfortunate and sad. This is one death too many, a great loss to the entire family and the sporting community. He was a great goalkeeper who stood out among his peers. He also made his mark as Assistant Super Eagles Coach. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and the football community. May God bless his soul and comfort his family.”
-Sunday Dare, Sports Minister
Another Sad Day in Nigerian Football
“It is another sad day for Nigerian Football. Erico was among the very best of Nigeria’s international goalkeepers and also served the country with fervour and diligence as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles between 2001 and 2002. He will be sorely missed.