Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Charles Soludo has hailed former Nigeria goalkeeper, Emmanuel Okala who attained the age of 71 today.
Governor Soludo commended Emmanuel Okala’s heroic feats as one of Nigeria’s outstanding goalkeepers who manned the goal for the Nigeria National football team between 1972 – 1980.
The Governor in a statement recalled Okala’s selfless service and exceptional patriotism to the nation.
He added that he was in the team that won the All-Africa Games football gold in Lagos in 1973 and was also part of the Green Eagles, now Super Eagles who won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in 1978. The squad also finished as runners-up at the All-Africa Games in Algiers four months later.
The Governor noted that Okala’s glorious moments came when he was named Africa’s best goalkeeper by the Africa Sports Journalist Union in 1975. He was equally in the Rangers International FC squad that won the Africa Cup Winners’ Cup in 1977.
Governor Soludo further praised the legendary goalkeeper saying he capped his meritorious service to the nation as a member of the victorious Nigeria National team that won Nigeria’s first Africa Cup of Nations in 1980 in Lagos.
Governor Soludo noted Okala’s towering achievements and contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria are commendable, his sense of duty, discipline and dedication in serving the country remains legendary.
Governor Soludo, therefore, joined millions of fans, teammates and his family to wish Emmanuel Okala more years of good health and continued service to the nation.
