The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has unveiled plans to honor the late Sebastien Brodericks-Imasuen, the former coach of the Golden Eaglets, who passed away on Tuesday in a Benin City hospital, Edo State.
In an official statement, NPFL Chairman Gbenga Elegbeleye announced the league’s decision to pay tribute to the iconic coach. Coaches and players participating in matchday 17 across all league venues are directed to wear black armbands as a symbol of respect for the late Golden Eaglets’ coach.
A minute of silence will precede the kick-off at each match venue, acknowledging the significant contributions of Imasuen to the league.
Elegbeleye, while expressing his condolences, described Imasuen as a legendary figure in youth and club coaching. He emphasized Imasuen’s role in popularizing youth football in Nigeria and noted his influence in elevating the status of the Professional Football League, engaging in notable rivalries with top club coaches like Willy Bazuaye, James Peters, and Charles Bassey.
“Sebastien Brodericks-Imasuen was a Coach who made youth football popular in Nigeria, and at some point in his career, he was one of those that heightened interest in the Professional Football League,” remarked Elegbeleye. “By his death, our country has lost an icon in the coaching echelon.”
Brodericks-Imasuen, fondly known as Sabara, passed away at the age of 85 in a private hospital in Benin, Edo State, on January 2, 2024. His coaching legacy reached a pinnacle when he guided the Nigeria U-16 team to victory in the inaugural FIFA Cadet Championship in China in 1985.
Beyond his international triumphs, Imasuen also contributed significantly to various club teams, including El-Kanemi Champions, Udoji Joined FC, and Bendel Protection.