EXPLOITS OF BOILER FRANCIS UWALAKA- NIGERIA TEAM LEGENDARY FOOTBALL STRIKER
( NIGERIAN SOCCER STARS OF YESTER-YEARS)

By Francis Obi Okoye


The terrible news came – it seemed false but was later confirmed that the Garden-City, Port Harcourt idol “RED DEVIL STRIKER” national and international superstar was dead. The passing away of the great player-businessman and coach became a reality. It was incredible and shocking, but Francis Uwalaka a.k.a Boiler, had joined his colleagues. “THE SUSTAINERS OF NIGERIA FOOTBALL” some years back. His hospitalization at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital where two former colleagues CHRISTIAN OHIRI and ALBERT AMECHI AREH ended up merit a rare opportunity for well wishers, friends and colleagues to have the last glimpse of the hero- Francis Ihesiabaogu Uwalaka for over fifteen years in soccer encounter in defunct Eastern Nigeria. Port Harcourt and Nigeria, the radio commentators vivid descriptions ran to climax – “The Ball moves to Boiler Uwalaka – he takes a header and its-a-goal.

Boiler Francis Uwalaka occupied that most dreaded position in a foot ball – centre forward, and a target for wicked no-nonsense defender. Uwalaka was born in 1927 to Dede Uwalakas family in Umuokerira-Ihitte Mbaise in Aboh Local Govt, - Mbaise. At a tender age, he left for Port Harcourt, where he made his impact. His performance in the field was never to be forgotten as he played his heart and soul out against any opposing teams even against his own native team.Mbaise had produced players mostly teachers under the Catholic Missionaries such as Jerome Wasi, Reginald Wasi. Onyekwere brothers, Ukanyiroha, Issac Nnado, Bernard Agonuo, Victor Elesiro, Dominic Nwosu to mention a few. In that memorable match between Mbaise XI and Port Harcourt Red Devils, Boiler Uwalaka scored 3 out of 5 goals against Mbaise and this disgraceful defeat did not go down well with the lovers and people of Mbaise. This singular defeat remained fresh in the minds of his people up until the day boiler laid in state in his country home.

In 1961, Francis, won nomination under the NCNC for Owerri North-East constituency but failed. He was defeated by an independent candidate a demonstration against that shameful defeat.

That powerful man-Barrister BSC Nzenwa – a one time secretary of Nigeria Airways and Chairman of WAAC Football Club-Lagos and a bosom friend and Relative stood motionless at the side of the late Boiler. The co-ordinator/director of Sports Ministry and Youths, Sports and Culture-Rivers State, Mr Minimah led a delegation of Rivers state and read a funeral oration, while the PH OSEE Band displayed.

Boiler Francis Uwalaka could be remembered featuring prominently from 1942 to 1962 and played attacking roles for Port Harcourt “Red Devils” matches against stubborn opponents such as the :Aba Giant Killers”, Ikpeazu Redoubt-Ables , Black Rocks of Enugu and represented the former Eastern Nigeria selected against the Western Region selected Lagos selected, Northern selected Ghana Black-stars, Egypt, English F.A. Tourists, Dahomey, in which he scored 5 goals out of the 11 goals against the visiting team at KGV Stadium-Onikan-Lagos. He was a powerful attacker in 1959 for Nigerian XI versus German Dusseldorf team. He was the brain behind the Port Harcourt Red-Devils winning the Nigeria Challenge-Cup in 1955 and 1958 with the following players :Albert Onyeanwuna, Olu Onogoruwa, Tempest Ubaka, Ibe, Igwe Brothers John & Peter; Jonathan Nwaiwu, Cletus Onyeama, Elkana Onyeali, Amadi, David Okoroji, Jon Onyeador Nwaturuocha, Amechi Areh etc. Uwalaka Francis made the greatest appearance in the international matched in 1959 with his legs as they worked dexterously, for the minutes of the duration of the match against the visiting German Dusseldorf team with other players like Christian Ohiri, Dejo Fayemi, Albert Onyeawuna, Elkana Onyeali, Emmanuel Ominu, Isaac Nnado, Obi Okoye, Emade, Patrick Noquapor, Fagbeso, David Okoroji John Onyeador, Godwin Achebe, the spectators were trilled and officials held their heads high such as John Chidiac-a Lebanese, Austin Onwoali, Ngwushi ,R.B. Allen Treasurer/Chairman NFA.

Boiler was boiling with vigor and energy for he did not only command respect and admiration from the lowly and highly placed in the society but all players within the Garden-City and Nigeria in general. We have a bit of consolation that Boiler left a good mark on the sand of time as his predecessor. Francis was a successful businessman and combined business with football. He was industrious and sociable and noted for his generosity.

Uwalaka was the first Nigerian player to own and drive a Mercedes-Benz car when the car was exclusively for the big wealthy merchants-but Boiler was not pompous. In the writer’s books of generosity, BOILER dutifully conveyed co-players to the field for training sessions and matches very often organized parties in his PH. Residence for all.

This singular gesture is still to be beaten or equaled. At the point of death, Boiler demanded a football and his playing kits may be for the great beyond. His demands were met and on Saturday 26th August 1989, Boiler Francis Ihesiabaogu Uwalaka was laid to rest in his country home. Boiler Uwalaka at 64 joined the Nigerian Heavenly squad to reinforce their numerical strength such players as skipper Dan Anyiam, Thunder-Bolt Akanni, Balogun, Senior Planner Friday Okoh, Jide Johnson, Carl O’Dwyer, Baba Shittu, Garuba Okoye, David Deshi, Christopher Udemezue, Ayo Adeinyi, Possible Oyii, Caterpillar Emma Anakwe, Lanky Ekwuno, Okey Morah, Mathias Ofomata Obianika, Chris Ohiri, Mark Amobi Onyejiaka, Patrick Noquapor, Great Sambo, Sam Oparaji etc. while we say ADIEU to the fallen colleagues we pray for God’s mercy on their souls – MAY YOU REST IN PEACE.

While we remember these souls of ex- national and international players, we also honor with due respect the departed souls of these fathers who stood solidly behind Nigeria Football management and administration – Mr Israel Adebajo, Chief Olalekan, Salami, Sunny Woghiren, Eke, Chief M.W. Ubani, Chief/Barrister Will Onyejiaka, Sir Thomas Uwakwe etc.

This article written by FRANCIS OBI OKOYE (IRON GATE OF NIGERIAN FOOTBALL)now late ,was first published in HEADLINES NEWSPAPER of Daily Times Newspaper group on January,1994.NO 249.

PICTURE OF ABA GIANT KILLERS TEAM 1957.

Respect