Gov Obaseki mourns the passing of veteran football coach

Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has mourned the passing of veteran football coach, Sebastian Broderick Imasuen, describing him as a great Edo son and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football players and coaches.

In a statement, Obaseki said he received the news of Broderick’s passing with a heavy heart, celebrating his genius and contributions to the development of sports, particularly football in Nigeria.

According to him, “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of a great Edo son and one of Nigeria’s most accomplished football players and coaches, Sebastian Broderick Imaseun, who passed away at the age of 85.

“Born in Benin City in 1938, Broderick attended St. John’s Primary School, Onitsha and gained admission to Bishop Shenahan College, Orlu, in 1955, obtaining his West African Schools Certificate (WASC) in 1960.

“He started his football career early and played for the defunct Electricity Corporation of Nigeria Football Club of Lagos (ECN FC). He also represented the Nigerian football team at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968.

He added: “Broderick played for Bendel Insurance Football Club and scored a famous free kick to win the Challenge Cup for Bendel Insurance in 1972.

“He was the head coach of the Nigerian FIFA-U17 team that won the U-17 World Cup in China in 1985.

“He distinguished himself on and off the pitch and brought a peculiar flair for football that set him apart from his contemporaries.

A legend in the game of football, he was renowned for his role in the development of football in Nigeria, discovering young talents and projecting them to national prominence.

“Late Imaseun was a dedicated family man whose exploits as a football player and tactician knew no bounds, as he was renowned for his astuteness, discipline, boldness, and commitment to sports in our dear State and country.”

Hailing his prowess, the governor noted: “Outspoken and fervently patriotic, he was emblematic of the indefatigable Edo spirit and was an inspiration to generations both within and beyond the world of sports.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Imaseun family, friends, and well-wishers, as well as football fans across the nation. May God grant all the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”