By Tony Ubani
THE botched friendly match between the Super Eagles and their Ghanaian counterparts, Black Stars was meant to be used to honour ex-Eagles legend and midfield maestro, Muda Lawal who died on July 6, 1991.

Muda, one of the rare breeds to have come out of Nigeria tickled many souls with his natural talent before death snatched him. He however left his footprints in the sands of time at the age of 37, setting a record of playing in five successive Nations Cup(’76, ’78, ’80, ’82 and 1984).

He played 86 times for the Green Eagles and was formidable in the defunct IICC of Ibadan. After winning the 1980 Nations Cup, Muda and teammates were awarded the national title of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON. He was also awarded the national title of Officer of the Order of the Niger and was Nigeria’s first-ever Soccer Ambassador.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, led by Alhaji Aminu Maigari wanted to use the friendly match to honour Muda by inviting his wife and children as special guests at the Watford Stadium before rioters struck. Your refreshingly different Sports Vanguard interviewed Muda Lawal’s family based in London( Mrs Yetunde Muda Lawal, Miss Bisola Muda Lawal, and Oluwaseun Mudal Lawal).

Excerpts:

Are you based in London, Madam?

No, no. My two children are based here(pointing at Bisola and Oluwaseun) and I always come around to see them. My other children are also in Nigeria. The NFF invited us for this match in London while my other children in Nigeria will be invited to the Super Eagles’ Nations Cup qualifier against Guinea in Abuja on October 9.

How has life been without your husband?

Without God nothing is easy. I thank God for everything. Even if Muda is alive, without the grace of God there is little any man or woman can do. God is faithful and has been kind to his children.

How do you feel that your husband is being remembered by the Nigeria Football Federation?

I thank them immensely for their gesture. It is not easy to remember a dead person not to talk of 20 years after. We are indeed grateful to them.

Many thought they have forgotten the services rendered by Muda Lawal

As you can see, no. Like they say, it is better late than never.

Let’s talk about your children. How are they doing and how has it been raising them after the demise of their father.

I give God all the glory for the lives of the children. They are absolutely doing well. At times, I feel my husband is alive to see and appreciate his children.

Is there any of Muda’s sons or daughters interested in doing what their father did, playing football?

Yes o!(She erupted in smiles and exchanged glances with her son Seun while Bisola cringed in her chair). My son, Seun has got amazing skills in football. He is a marvel to behold when he plays and I think that he handles the ball better than his father.

Do you mean that this boy is better than Mudal Lawal?

Yes, indeed. He has got talent. He is taller than his father and has got speed, dribbling skills and packs ferocious shots when he shoots.

(Laughter) How come you know soccer so well? Did you get the love from your late husband?

Not just that. I was a footballer myself. We were the ones who started female football in Oyo State. I was good in my own rights but did not play it to international level.

Who is encouraging Seun to continue playing?

It’s his love and he is good. Better than his father. I am Muda’s wife and I am in a better position to know who plays better between my husband and my son. I know them too well. It is left for him and the Nigerian authorities to have a look at him.

What memorable moment do you still remember in Muda’s life?

The 1980 Nations Cup quickly comes to mind. Many people will think it is because he scored the winning goal. No. I remember it more because of the strange role my husband played in that match. He was not the roving player that everybody knew him to be. He later explained that it was an assignment given to him by Otto Gloria, their coach. He did it well and received praise from the coach.

What is the relationship between Muda’s colleagues and his friends with the family?

(Sighs) I don’t want anybody to be in my shoe. The most important thing is that you should have your faith in God.

What message do you have for Nigerians?

I want to thank the Nigeria Football Federation for this honour. We were not expecting it. God bless them.