Super Eagles Technical Director, Amodu Shuaibu, dies

Mr. Amodu died in his sleep early today according to a statement by the Nigerian Football Federation.

The former BCC Lions coach, it was learned complained of chest pains, before he went to bed on Friday night.

One of the best coaches that Nigeria has produced, Amodu Shaibu first took charge of the Super Eagles at the age of 36, following the departure of Dutchman Clemens Westerhorf as Nigeria left her debut appearance at the FIFA World Cup in the U.S. 94′ at the Round of 16.

The 54-year-old had been tipped for a role with a PSL club before his passing.

– Amodu led Nigeria to the AFCON bronze medal at Mali 2002 and Angola 2010. Having to type the words “Rest in Peace” for a second time to another ex-coach within the space of two days has been heartbreaking and gut-wrenching….but then, I am left with little or no choice.

The Governor called on Nigerians to pray for the football family against losing the best in their prime, saying the late coach will be sorely missed.

He also led Nigeria to the 2010 World Cup finals but was axed in favor of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

It was a visibly sober and sad moment as players and officials yet again mourned the death of another high-ranking football man following the death of Stephen Keshi on Wednesday. I told him yes.

“I’ve been taking notes and these are some of the things I will bring up when I meet with the NFF”. Amodu was my coach at El-Kanemi Warriors when I captained El-Kanemi to win the FA Cup and we have remained ever so close ever since.

He won the Nigeria League and Cup double in 1994, and won the Super Cup in 1989, 1993 and 1994.