Family members and friends paid heartfelt tributes to former Super Eagles striker, Lookman Ajibola Oshun, during the eighth-day Fidau prayer held in his honour on Tuesday, Completesports.com reports
The Fidau prayer, which took place at The Event, Agbado, Ishaga, Lagos
started with prayers by Islamic clerics, who took turns to pray for the deceased, and the family he left behind.
Delivering the sermon, Shehu Kuku, Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, called on Muslims to live a righteous live, and emulate Oshun’s dedication to service, excellence, and faith.
After the prayers, the deceased’s first daughter, Kafilat Oshun gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the family.
Late Christian Chukwu’s Endorsement
Ahmed Oshun, the last child of the former Obanta United hitman reflected on the life of his late father.
“He was a phenomenom, though i didn’t him play because I was born after he retired from football. I only experienced his coaching prowess, but with the few stories I heard from his ex-teammates, and friends, then I can say he was quality footballer,”
“They told me he was one of the best strikers in Nigeria then . He was known all over Nigeria. You know, there are some players, who are only known in Lagos or in their vicinity, but my dad was a popular figure.
“The late Christian Chukwu used to call him the ”Lion Striker”. He could use both feet, and has powerful shot too. I’m glad to be his son, if i could back to this world again, I would still like to be his son.”
Oshun, A True Football Man
Ahmed can’t stop talking about his late father, who opened his eyes to the world of football.
“I will miss our short meetings. Usually I visit him every weekend when he was alive. We used to talk about football extensively. We used to talk about football tactics, and so many things about the round leather game,” he added.
“He made me love football. I remember right from my childhood days, he used to take me to First Bank Football camp. We attended a lot of games together. I watched a lot of national team games with him.
Read Also:Family, Friends To Hold Eighth Day Prayer For Former Super Eagles Star Oshun
“I remember Nigeria’ 99 , the FIFA U-20 World Cup, I watched the opening ceremony, and final live at the National Stadium in Surulere.
“Ghana/Nigeria 2000 Africa Cup of Nations. He took me to the National Stadium. I watched the opening game against Tunisia, the quarter-final versus Senegal, and final against Cameroon.
“I was around 10, 11 years then. From there, I started having interest in football, though I didn’t play like him.”
Tributes From Former Teammates
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Grassroots Sports Development, Adeboye Adeyinka, popularly known as Zulu was among the dignatories, who attended the event.
“He was my brother, uncle, and a former technical adviser of my club, Smart City FC. The late Oshun was my player, when I was team manager of the defunct Obanta United,” Adeboye stated.
“He was reserved, and a gentle man. We will all miss him, the All Stars Football Community, and his family.
Former U-23 Eagles assistant coach, Fatai Amoo described Lookman Oshun as one of the best strikers to have come out of Nigeria.
“I don’t how to describe him. We started playing football together. We grew up together in the same neighbourhood,” Amoo revealed.
“We also started out career together at First Bank FC, before he moved to IICC (now Shooting Stars) , Abiola Babes, and he later returned to First Bank.
“I I will rate him as one of the best strikers to have come out of Nigeria. He could run, he could jump, and shoot with both feet. He was a very strong striker back in those days.
“You know life is something no one can predict.Oshun was a very disciplined player, who played for the junior national team, before graduating to the Green Eagles.
“He may not have played too matches for the Green Eagles, but was very talented.”
More Tributes For Oshun
For former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo, Lookman Oshun was a special friend.
“I want to thank God for his life, A life well spent. He was my teammate at Abiola Babes, and we were very close until his demise,” Ekpo asserted.
“You know we still play football together as a member of the All Stars Team. It was a thing of joy to always mingle among ourselves, and talk about the good old days.
“It’s sad that he is no longer with us. I pray that the Lord continue to be with the family he left behind.”
Wasiu Ipaye, who played with Oshun at First Bank also eulogised the former striker.
“I played with him at First Bank, and he was a friend, and brother. He is longer with us but we can’t question the Almighty God,” Ipaye said.
“Oshun was a good man, and a great footballer. It was a privilege to have played with him.”
Well Attended Ceremony
Family and friends came out in large numbers to celebrate Lookman Oshun. A number of former internationals including Dosu Joseph, Taiwo Oloyede, Jide Oguntuase, and Ali Nayara were at the event.
By Adeboye Amosu