Okafor’s death shocks Toro

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, Toro said the deceased was one of the few former players who kept in touch with him as he constantly called him to discuss the future of Nigerian football. He said even when he contested in the 2010 NFF presidential election; late Okafor flew into the country to give support to […]

Speaking to Trustsports yesterday, Toro said the deceased was one of the few former players who kept in touch with him as he constantly called him to discuss the future of Nigerian football.

He said even when he contested in the 2010 NFF presidential election; late Okafor flew into the country to give support to his candidature.

Toro said the player was a thoroughly humble and respectable gentleman who would not hurt a fly and wondered what would have made the ex-Eagle committee suicide.

He said Uche was among his most reliable players as he contributed significantly to what was the success story of Nigerian football in the early 90s up to 1996 when he called it quit with the senior national team.

Toro then called on the Nigeria Football Federation to liaise with the ministry of foreign affairs to know exactly what caused the former player’s death.

He added that the football federation should do something to immortalize the late defender and also give assistance to the family that he has left behind.

His words: “I am bereft of words to express my shock. It is hard to believe this story. The sudden death of Uche Okafor is a colossal loss to the country. Nigeria has lost a patriot and it will take me a long time to get over this unfortunate incident.

“ Uche was one of my most reliable players. He was a gentleman to the core. He was disciplined and showed tremendous commitment to national duties.

Toro in addition said he would immediately get in touch with former Eagles captain, Stephen Keshi for him to mobilize his former colleagues in order to give Okafor a befitting burial.