Former U-17 nationwide coach Godwin Izilien, who additionally led the Tremendous Falcons to the African Ladies's Nations Cup title, is useless. The ex-international, 81, died yesterday in Benin Metropolis of stomach complaints, in response to stories.
Bendel Insurance coverage Media Officer, Kehinde Osagiede, confirmed the information, saying Izilien “died right now after a brief sickness”.
“He was a former insurance coverage coach who gave his all to discovering and nurturing soccer abilities, each women and men, in Nigeria. The (insurance coverage) membership is saddened by his passing.”
Often called the most effective indigenous coaches, Izilien led the Tremendous Falcons to win the African Ladies's Nations Cup in 2004 and likewise took the Golden Eaglets to the Africa U-17 Nations Cup in 2005.
Till his demise, Izilien fought with the Nigerian Soccer Federation (NFF) for his rights to the 2004 African Ladies's Nations Cup in South Africa, for a complete sum of roughly $12,000.
He alleged that the NFF refused to pay his dues following the protest by Tremendous Falcons gamers over unpaid allowances after the championship.
He stated in one among his final interviews that some individuals have been intentionally after his cash as a result of they felt there was nothing he might do about it.
“I haven't heard from the NFF since 2004. Too dangerous I may not get the cash anymore. It has been over 19 years that the NFF has not paid me the US$12,000 and the US$2 million promised to me by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“What’s my offense since they refused to pay me my cash? I didn't do something incorrect. The women stated they’d not come again to Nigeria as a result of they owed the NFF. I used to be on my knees begging them, I didn't care in the event that they have been my daughters.
“I advised them that one other that means could be learn into this motion. It's simple to say the coaches are accountable and that's precisely what it turned out to be, nevertheless it's not truthful to me and I really feel very dangerous.”
