BY DESMOND EKWUEME

Sebastian Imasuen-Brodericks, you left a legacy in Nigeria football. You’re a pacesetter among your colleagues talking about those who brought honour and glory to the country.

Your products speak volume of your achievements and dream for Nigeria football. Nduka Ugbade, Jonathan Akpoborie, Victor Igbinoba, Lucky Agbonsebafe, Imama Amakapabo, Chukwuma Nwoha, Segun Atere, Tonwonrinmi Duere, Peter Ogaba, Kingsley Aikhionbare, Binebi Numa, Bella Momoh, Salisu Nakande, Oladunni Oyekale, Sani Adamu, Lemmy Isah, Philip Osondu, Segun Fetuga, Bobolayefa Edon, Taiwo Enegwa, Albert Ekeh, Chinedu Anazonwu, Godwin Okpara, Victor Ikpeba, Anthony Emedofu, Angus Ikeji and Emeka Amadi among others.

You set the tone for discovery of talents from the grassroots and nurturing them to stardom through their graduation to the senior team.

You fought the powers-that-be who wanted to use the Youth Sports Federation of Federation of Nigeria (YSFON) as a ploy to block talents who weren’t products of YSFON from featuring for Golden Eaglets.

It’s on record that you told them, “There are talents littered in all nooks and crannies of the country. It is my duty as coach of the U-16 team to comb the grounds and fish out these talents. We cannot limit nor make the national U-16 team exclusively for YSFON players.

“Many good players in the hinterland have no access to YSFON programs which is in the urban or metropolitan areas. Let’s look for them give all a fair chance through open screening exercises to help secure the best players for the country at this level. Once we get it right at this stage then, we can be rest assured of a solid national team across board in the nearest future.”

Indeed your prophecy came to pass as your Golden Eaglets squad of ’85 class, the very first in the history of the country formed the template, platform and pathway for building a strong national team across board.

Nigeria ruled Africa at the U-20 level where Flying Eagles dominated the continent all through the 80s to the early 90s. Flying Eagles were kings of Africa in ’83, ’85, ’87 and ’89. Most players of the Flying Eagles who graduated to Green Eagles were products of the Golden Eaglets.

Victor Ikpeba who went ahead to win the African Player of the Year (’97) award was one of your shinning products. Godwin Okpara who played for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) was another of your great products. He equally played for what we know today as Super Eagles.

Christian Chukwu worked as your assistant in Golden Eaglets. Chukwu will later work with Clemens Westerhorf in the same capacity to build one of the best Super Eagles squads in history. The squad won AFCON in Tunisia in 1994 and went ahead to qualify for the World Cup for the first time.

That team emerged as the second most entertaining team in the world and the fifth ranked team by FIFA. You may not have worked directly with that team but Chukwu’s contribution as an assistant to Westerhorf cannot be wished away. Of course Chukwu must have learnt one or two things from you which helped Westerhorf build that amazing squad.

Before the ailment that struck towards the later years of your life leading to your exit, one can say, you aged gracefully having hit the 89 mark.

Sabara, you will be sorely missed by the football fraternity who will never forget your immense contribution to the development of the beautiful game.

Recall the Head of State when you won the FIFA/Kodak U-17 World tournament in China, Major General Muhammadu Buhari said, “This team has made history. Every member of the team carries the mark of honour. To you the coach, you have played the role of a father who trained his children to be honourable. Indeed, you’re a proud father whose legacy is a standard and challenge for other fathers and coaches. The nation is proud of you and will forever be grateful to you.

Say us well to Dan Anyiam, Eto Amaechina, Chris Udemezue, Paul Hamilton, Austin Ofokwu, David Etemeke, Amodu Shuiabu, Stephen Keshi, Kelechi Emetoele, Willy Bazuaye, Ismaila Mabo, Haruna Ilerika, Musa Abdullahi, Ufere Nwankwo, Solomon Ogbeide, Alfred Ekundina, Kafaru Alabi, Matthias Obianika, Jossy Lad and Justin Tenger among others.

Rest in peace Great Coach!!!