Nigeria: We Won’t Allow Olubayo’s Family to Starve – Siasia

Ime Bassey

30 April 2011

As the remains of former U20, U-23 and Super Eagles player, Olubayo Adefemi were finally laid to rest on Thursday, Super Eagles Coach, Samson Siasia assured that he will do everything he could to make sure Adefemi’s family do not go hungry.

Speaking to journalists after the lying-in state held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the National Stadium in Surulere Lagos, he said the former midfielder used to call him ‘sabi coach’ and was very humble.

Siaisia said while alive, Olubayo always wanted to give his very best on the field of play and that he as the coach Olubayo worked with, will do everything within his power to see that the family did not starve.

“Bayo started with me. I will do the best I can. Those that have gone before him never played under me, but for Bayo I will see that the Federal government does something for him.

Whenever I called him, he answered ‘Sabi coach’, he was very humble. He is a big loss to Nigeria and to me as a coach. I never had any problem with him all the time we were in camp together. He was a kind of player who always wanted to give his best at every given time on the pitch.

His doggedness and discipline I won’t forget easily. I do not know what to say any more knowing that we all will die someday but when somebody of this age dies, it is so painful.

“We can do whatever we want but what is needed is to find a way for the bereaved family to be taken care of. You cannot just talk and stop there, but we on our part, will do all that we can to make sure that his family is not left like that.

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