By Amaechi Agbo

Condolences messages have continued to pour in to the family of former Ehugu State Football Association Chairman, Chidi Ofo Okenwa.

Late Okenwa died of acute leukaemia in Enugu on Tuesday aged 50.

In their separate condolences messages, the Youth Sports Federation Of Nigeria, YSFON; Nigeria Professional Football League side, Nasarawa United FC and Nigeria National League campaigners, Gateway United of Abeokuta have all expressed shock over the demise of Mr Okenwa.

Reacting to the unfortunate news on Tuesday, President of YSFON, Dr Nasir Gawuna said he was shocked to hear of Okenwa’s death.

Okenwa who until his death was the Chairman of the Enugu State Football Association, the Nigerian National Football League as well as member of  the National Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation died at the age of 50

Gawuna said Okenwa’s death was a big blow to Nigerian football describing the late football administrator as a humble, eloquent and brilliant gentleman whose contributions to the growth of the round leather game was tremendous and will be missed by the sports fraternity

“The Youth sports Federation Of Nigeria hereby extends its sympathy to the Enugu State Football Association, the Nigeria National League Board and of course the Nigeria Football Federation the NFF over the painful loss,” he said.

Chairman of Nigerian Professional Football League side, Nasarawa United, Barrister Isaac Danladi, has expressed rude shock following the death of the Chairman of Enugu State Football Association, Chief Chidi Offor Okenwa whose sad event occurred Tuesday in Enugu after a brief illness.

According to Barr. Danladi,”It is with heavy heart but total submission to the will of Almighty God that I received the news of the sudden and untimely death of my very good friend, brother and ally”, he began.

He eulogised the Late Okenwa who was also Independent Board Chairman of Nigerian National League (NNL), and the fruitful times they spent together, describing him as a jolly good fellow.

“The late Chief Okenwa was a very nice person, particularly to me. I recall we were together as members of the Technical Committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and recently, too, we served on the same Committee of the NFF Reforms Committee.

“Also, I have been on several national and international trips with him to represent the country as far as football is concerned.

“My last encounter with him, actually, was during that Committee Assignment in Benin City, Edo State.”

Barr. Danladi who is also Chairman of the NPFL Club Owners’ Association said the death of Okenwa was a huge loss to the entire football family in Nigeria.

“May God in His infinite mercies continue to give us the wisdom, courage, fortitude and strength to be able to bear the irreplaceable loss as death is a necessary end and it will come when it will come”, Barr. Isaac Danladi prayed.

On their part, the management of Gateway United FC has expressed its condolences to Nigerian football fraternity over the sudden death of a member of the executive committee of the Nigeria Football Federation Honourable Chidi Ofo Okenwa which occurred on Tuesday May 5th, 2020.

The club in a statement noted that late Okenwa had before his demise reportedly diagnosed with leukemia. He was reported to have slumped on Tuesday morning and was confirmed dead in a private hospital in Enugu.

The statement signed by the acting General Manager of the Ogun State owned club, Niyi Soleye, said his death was a big loss to Nigeria football family.

“We commiserate with Nigeria Football Federation, Enugu State and football family in Nigeria, over the passing of Chidi Ofo Okenwa. He was a great football administrator who had keen interest in the development of the round leather game in the nation, and of course, did contribute immensely to that course”

“Chidi will be greatly missed by all. A gentleman to the core. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family. May his soul rest in peace.”