The entire Sports Council and offices in the vicinity of the Dan Anyiam Stadium will be shut today during the lying-in-state of late soccer star Uche Okafor who will also be committed to mother earth at his home  in Ubomiri, Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

Director of Sports in Imo State, Godwin Agbarakwe said yesterday that “everything will be done to pay Uche a befitting last respect.”

A football match between Uche’s teammates in the Eagles and Imo All Stars will be part of the events to honour the fallen star from 9 AM today.

“There will be no work during the lying_in_state and football match. All workers will be inside the stadium to honour Uche,” Agbarakwe said yesterday, adding “Uche served Nigeria well through football and we shall really honour him. There will be many visitors to pay him last respect and the stadium will be all for him.”

He displayed the list of the Imo Stars who will play against the likes of Mutiu Adepoju, Austin Eguavoen, Samson Siasia, Alloy Agu, Ike Shorumu, Emeka Ezeugo, Ben Iroha, Austin Popo etc.

Ramson Madu, Monday Ibekwe, Goddy Ekeh, Kevin Onwana, Ben Nwosu, Kelechi Emeteole, Goddy Abomuche, Ben Agu, Sylvester Oparanozie, Israel Anuna are among those who will play for Imo State.

The National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation have heavy presence in Owerri.
“Uche was a great player and served this country well. We have to honour him deservedly,” Patrick Ekeji, the Director_General at the National Sports Commission said.

“The governor is interested and the whole state mourn with the Uche Okafor family and entire sports family. We will honour him,” Ngozi Anyikwa, commissioner for youth and sports in Imo State said.