Recalling two moments for the Living Legend, Mathematical Odegbami at 70

African Cup of Nations 1980 finals - Nigeria vs Algeria
"Chairman Christian Chukwu collects the ball
He finds Odegbami
Chukwu sends a long one to the right flank
Odegbami collects the ball
HE BEATS ONE
HE BEATS TWO
HE RUNNING TOWARDS THE GOAL POST
He takes a SHOT
It is a GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL
Mathematical Odegbami has done it again for the Green Eagles"
Whose voice was that? No one celebrated Segun Odegbami in his playing days than Ernest Okonkwo, the legendary football commentator and wordsmith.
Final scoreline was 3:0

Towards the 1984 African Champions Clubs Cup, Nigerias rep, Shooting Stars of Ibadan made it to the final against Zamalek of Egypt. It was to be first time a Nigerian clubside would win it. First leg in Cairo expectedly went in favor of the host. The Stars were down by 2 goals to nothing.

Return leg was in Lagos. The whole nation was upbeat. We were fired up. Especially by the vociferousness of the Shooting Stars Supporters Club led by famous Ganiyu Elekuru, Baba Eleran of "Balubalu ntafin" soundbite. I think the optimism was raised by the facts of the first leg scoreline, advantage of hosting the final leg and ODEGBAMI!

Legendary Chief Lekan Salami, prematch at Surulere National Stadium was accosted by the TV crew. He was asked why he thought his club would carry the day. His answer was straight and direct. In his strong Ibadan accent: "Segun-will-lead-them-to-glorryyy". I remember that vividly.

Let's stop right there to celebrate a LIVING LEGEND, Chief Patrick Olusegun Odegbami as he's admitted to the 'Septuagenarian Club' today.

No Nigerian ex-international has done so much for the sport development post retirement than Chief Odegbami. The records are there.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU SIR

Happy birthday to him...

Happy birthday.


More healthy life.