Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has heaped praises on former Green Eagles goalkeeper Emmanuel Okalla as he turns 70, describing him as of the greatest goalkeeper Nigeria, and indeed Africa has ever produced.
According to a statement signed by the Minister said: “Let me most sincerely on behalf of the Nigerian football family wish Emmanuel Okalla happy birthday as he turns 70. On this your special day, I wish you God’s guidance, protection, mercy favour and good health.”
Dare further said: ” You are truly an icon whose place in Nigerian and African football is already assured. Your role in winning the 1980 Nations Cup and other accomplishments cannot be forgotten. We continue to celebrate you and pray to God to endow you with good health and long life. Happy birthday and God bless you”, the statement concluded.
Okalla is the only Nigerian goalkeeper to be decorated as ‘African Footballer of the Year’ by the African Sports Journalists Union, ASJU .
Okalla manned the post for the Green Eagles for 10 years.
His towering figure at 6ft, 5 inches earned him the nickname ‘Tallest’ and ‘Man Mountain’ by the late legendary radio ace commentator Earnest Okonkwo.
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