Oyinlola Awonuga Balogun (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Tributes have begun pouring in for the former goalkeeper and one-time assistant coach of the Super Eagles Joe Erico who passed away on Thursday.
Family sources said the flamboyant trainer complained of body pain and was treated for malaria, only to be found dead in his bed at dawn on Thursday.
Joe Erico was among the very best of Nigeria’s international goalkeepers and also served the country with fervour and diligence as assistant coach of the Super Eagles between 2001 and 2002.
“He will be sorely missed. We pray that Almighty God grant him eternal rest and also grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the big loss,” NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi said in Abuja.
Some of the reactions:
You guys would abandon his family the way you abandoned Isaac promise’s…..@Grooveyvibesonly
So Sad.@Ubong67
All gone to be with the Lord. First was Stephen Keshi, followed by Shaibu Amodu and just this morning, Joe Erico joined them. They had something in common, they coached the national team, the Super Eagles. RIP, loyal soldiers. https://t.co/rWUbX40MQD.@genakhena
This life 🤔 is nothing but short, yet we forget there’s death waiting for us all but as the Lord tarrys we will live long to enjoy God’s goodness.@Kingtunde1st
Joe Erico!!! My memory of him goes way back to his ECN days as a goalkeeper while I was (and still is) a Stores supporter. I remember his exploits at the UAC ground (now Teslim Balogun). Rest in Peace big brother. May the good Lord console & stay with your family & friends.@AdeAshaka
He made his debut for then Green Eagles in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Zambia in Lagos in July 1973 (which Nigeria won 3-2), and then kept goal in all of Nigeria’s six matches at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, where the Eagles finished third – the first time Nigeria would win a medal at the AFCON.
