By John Egbokhan

The Association of Nigerian ex-internationals in Diasporas (ANED) are mourning the death of a a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Association, P.O.C Achebe.

The group , in a statement issued during the week, described the deceased as the father of football in the country, noting that his demise was a huge loss to the soccer community.

“We find it difficult to talk about (POC Achebe) the three-time Secretary General of Nigerian Football Association. As the father of Nigerian Football Association, we all know he loved the national team and the nation more than anything in this world.

“He often told us in camp of our amusing pranks and some of our antics, and he always recalled these stories with a smile on his face. POC Achebe was more than just a father of football to all; he was also our best friend.

“How he loved to hear about our triumphs, and was just as pleased to be able to lend a kind ear to some of our challenges as well. Nigeria will miss him”, said ANED members, comprising Andrew Atuegbu, Paul Okoku, Obed Ariri, Nathaniel Ogedegbe, Fatai Aterie, Godwin Odiye, Francis Moniodafe, Charles Okoye, Ike Ofoje, Thompson Usiyan, Humphrey Edobor, Amechi Nwogu, and Tony Igwe.

Continuing, the group conveyed their sympathy to the deceased family, who they pray God will give the fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved.

“Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt sorrow goes out to Achebe family and the nation during these very difficult times. ANED and NFF will miss his loss very terribly, and so will many fans and well wishers of Super Eagles around Atlanta who had the good fortune of knowing him”.

The other ANED members include Sam Okpodu, Mathew Onyemah, Andrew Uwe, Dehinde Akinlotan, Femi Olukanni, Segun Olukanni, Emeka James, Godwin Iwelumo, Totty O. Totty, Obed Ariri, Peter Nieketien and Tajudeen Disu,