BY SAB OSUJI

Anambra State Grassroot Football Coaches Association on Monday, 29 January, 2024, paid a condolence visit to the family of late coach Uche Okagbue, who died on Friday, 26 January, 2024, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

A strong four-man delegation of the talent incubators comprising Charles Ibewuike 'TM', Ikenna Osueke, Azubuike and Robinson were at the Okagbue family, behind Washington Memorial Grammar School, Onitsha, where they consoled Uche Okagbue's younger brother, Ifeanyi Okagbue, over the sudden death of the former FC Ifeanyi Ubah gaffer.

Ibewuike, who led the delegation and also the Proprietor of Global Football Academy, Onitsha, extolled the sterling qualities of late Uche Okagbue as well as his significant contributions to the development of football in Anambra State especially at the grassroot level.

Ibewuike, on behalf of Grassroot Football Coaches, urged the Okagbue family to bear the 'irreparable loss with fortitude'.

"Uche Okagbue was part of us. He played a significant role in the discovery and development of young players at the grassroot.

"We'll miss him, his services to Football development in the state and Country at large. We've lost a tare gem but we can only pray God to grant his soul eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the 'irreparable loss", Ibewuike said.

Earlier, Ikenna Osueke, Proprietor of Ozalla Football Academy current holders of the Anambra FA Cup, had traced late coach Uche Okagbue's contributions to football in the state.

"We received the news of coach Uche's death with great shock. But as humans, we can't question God. He giveth and as well He taketh. Life and its endeavours is a stage. Uche (Okagbue) has played his role and has gone back to his creator. We pray God to grant his soul eternal rest".

Sir Victor Nwangwu, a former Secretary of Anambra State Football Association was later to join the Grassroot Football Coaches at the Okagbue family House.

Nwangwu, a former Enugu Rangers ace, outlined Uche Okagbue's contributions to the game both,as a player and later as a coach.

He recalled with emotion Uche's days at FC Ifeanyi Ubah, Sporting Lagos and recently Solution FC, Awka.

"It's tragic and difficult to take that death just cut him down at a time his services are most needed", Nwangwu lamented.

Responding, Ifeanyi Okagbue thanked the delegation for finding time between their tight schedules to come to commiserate with the family over his elder brother's death.

He disclosed that funeral arrangements would be made public as soon as the family meets.