Former captain of the thennational team, Green Eagles Abiodu Olajide died Tuesday, August 23, 2011 in Lagos after a protracted illness.

The body of the former international was deposited at the General Hospital mortuary in the Isolo area of Lagos.

The late Olajide doubled as skipper of the defunct Nigeria Railways Football Club, a.k.a. The Old Reliables and the national team in the late 1970s and early 80s.

A former team mate of the fallen hero, Paul Hamilton said, “Abiodun had been bedridden for long. He was first blind before the long ailment which eventually saw to his demise.”Hamilton said the late Abiodun Lajide “was a gentleman and a fine footballer. Nigeria has lost yet another gem from the football family.”