3rd May, 2011
Former Super of Nigeria defender, Adefemi Olubayo no doubt had a stint on earth but it was an eventful one, as Nigerians in their numbers came out to bid farewell on his passage to the great beyond.
The Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos was thrown into mournful mood as the remains of the former Skoda Xanthi of Greece player arrived.
The deceased had died in an auto crash on his way to Nigeria to conclude his wedding plans with his fiance, Folashade, an undergraduate of the Moshood Abiola Polythecnic.
The corpse of Olubayp arrived at exactly 10.15 a.m. but before the arrival, thousands of football fans, sports administrators and journalists were already at the Stadium bid him farewell and also to catch a glimpse of the corpse.
When the corpse was finally opened for public viewing, tears flowed freely, curses were being rained on those, who they alleged sniffed life out of the young and enterprising footballer in his prime.
The demise of Olubayo was not only a shock to many Nigerians but to Super Eagles coach, Samson Siasia, who discovered and groomed him to stardom.
Siasia, arrived at the stadium clad in a black short sleeve shirt on a black linen trousers and a dark shade to compliment.
The soccer tactician could not hold back tears as he stepped out to pay his last respect to the fallen hero, who was part of the Flying Eagles squad that won the African Youth Championship, AYC in Benin Republic and went ahead to win Silver at the FIFA World Youth Championship, WYC held in Holland, both were held in 2005.
It was however gnashimg of teeth, wailing and uncotrolled emotions when it was time for those, that had come to pay their last respect to the departed soul. Sports journalists, who came across with him during his lifetime fought back tears as they stepped forward to bid him goodbye.
Most hit by the demise of the former Boulougne of France attacking defender were his immediate family members. Conspicously missing was the mother of the deceased, Titlayo who culture deprieved the opportunity of seeing the remains of her child.
Abiodun, the elder brother of the deceased was also in tears as he read his speech, while expressing appreciation to those who took time out to pay their last tribute to his brother. He stated that the death of his brother will remain in his mind forever and prayed that God should not allow such calamity to recur in their family.
“I want to thank you all for your support. I also want to express my gratitude to the officials of Nigeria Football Federation NFF who have been in constant touch with us, the family since Olubayo’ death,†said Abiodun who burst into tears as he was accomplained by friends back to his seat.
Olubayo’s close friend, Yinka Adedeji described Olubayo’s demise as a big blow to the football fraternity, the national team and nation as well. He described his late friend as a dedicated player whose performance in recent time gladdens heart of soccer loving Nigerians.
Also speaking, Mike Umeh, First Vice Chairman of the NFF, expressed shock over the death of Olubayo.He said the Glass House in Abuja is still mourning the late Delta Force F.C player who died when he was needed by the national team ahead of Africa Cup of Nations and other international friendlies
“The Boy has done well for the national team in the past.
He deserved to be honoured and that is why NFF officials are in Lagos to pay our last respect to our beloved brother,†he said with an emotional laden voice.
In his own remark, former Flying Eagles gaffer, Tunde Disu urged the NFF to immortalize the player who died when he was still active for the nation. He said the player should be remember for years to come
“Olubayo died as hero and his death should not be in vain. The young man has done well for this country and I believe that the NFF should come with a programme that we will make us to remember for years to come,†he said.
Former Eagles goalkeeper trainer, Joe Erico prayed that God should give his family the fortitude to bear the loss.
—Sunday Akintoye