Happy 70th birthday Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala MON. Born on May 17, 1951, he started his senior Football career with the Red Devils of Onitsha in 1970. He was in the first set of players selected to form a new team known as Enugu Rangers in 1970 - and manned the post when this team won the Amachree Cup in February 1971.

He was drafted into the Green Eagles in 1972, and won his first international championship with the Green Eagles at the All-Africa Games in 1973. He went on to win several National championships with Rangers and continental glory in 1977 with the African Cup Winners Cup. He was announced as African Footballer of the year by the African Sports Journalist’s Union (ASJU) in 1978. His last laurel being the African Cup of Nations in 1980, where he was substitute goalkeeper to the first choice - late Best Ogedegbe. He retired from international Football in 1980 and from club football in 1981. Thereafter he pursued a coaching career. He currently serves as Senior Special Assistant (Sports) to the Anambra State Government. Married for 41 years, he is a proud father and grandfather.

Happy Birthday Chairman Emmanuel Okala. Ps/ He was the original ‘Chairman’ while Christian Chukwu was ‘Skipper’ (per Charles Ekenemchukwu Okonkwo)

Image: On duty with Rangers in 1972. Source: Courtesy of the Hon. Emmanuel Okala ;AKA ‘Tallest’/‘Irongate’/‘Man-Mountain’/‘Njo-Okala’)
References: a. Interview with Mr Okala - Friday May 14 2021 b. Various pieces written by Charles Okonkwo (ex-Rangers/Super Eagles) on his blog.

https://www./nigeriannostalgiaproject/permalink/5937253616315371/

Birthday wishes mr okala
First time I read about him was on superstrikas