It was expected. Uche

Late Uche Okafor

Okafor, the former Nigerian international murdered in cold blood January 6, in Little Elm, Dallas, USA Friday, February 11 received a hero’s farewell as hundreds of Nigerians resident in Dallas and beyond gathered at the Garland Convention Center, Texas to pay their last respect to the slain soccer icon at the Lying-In-State and funeral ceremony.

The federal government of Nigeria and the ministry of sports were represented at the event. The Ag. Consul_General of the Nigerian consulate in Atlanta,Georgia, Baba Garba and consul officer Anthony Ogbe, came to the viewing of Uche’s body in company of Chief Felix Okereke, President of the Organization of Nigerian Nationals in Dallas/Forth Worth.

Baba Garba who represented both the federal government and the ministry of sports paid tribute to the late national team star. Spokesman of the Uche Okafor family Ugo Nwaokoro captured the scene.

There were no dry eyes both at the viewing and the wake, when late Uche’s daughter, Tochukwu addressed the guests. Adults  were brought to tears as she read her tribute to her late  father.

Uche’s former football colleagues like Sunny Ikwuagwu, Charles Okoye, Leo Nwaonuma and others were present at the occasion. The Umuoji community  (Uche’s wife’s village) in the USA was heavily represented, so did the Enyimba Social club, USA.

During his tribute to Uche, Sunny Ikwuagwu could not hold back tears when he spoke.   President of Enyimba Social Club, Anderson Obiagwu was so emotional when he was making his club’s presentation that he openly cried as he eulogized Uche.

“The Garland Convention Center was so full that people could not see space to stand let alone sit down. More people were still coming at about 5:30 AM Dallas time when the wake ended. People will not forget the tribute Tochukwu made. What she said touched all who started shedding tears,” Nwakoro said.

Uche will be burried in Imo State on Thursday