NFF Mourns The Passing Of Former Midfield Star Ayo Ogunlana.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Super Eagles midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died in Kaduna on Friday after his early-morning walk.
NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, paid tribute to the late midfield maestro, recalling his contributions to Nigerian football during the 1980s and his performances at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria.
“We are very sad to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, only a couple of weeks after the demise of another former Eagle, Moses Effiong. Ogunlana was a great midfielder who made playing football look so easy with his majestic touches and turns, and his magnificent free-kicks,” Sanusi stated.
“We pray that the Almighty will grant both of them eternal rest and grant the families they have left behind the fortitude to bear the losses.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Ogunlana played a crucial role in Nigeria’s qualification for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, helping the Super Eagles overcome Guinea and Zimbabwe. His commanding display in midfield also proved vital in a 2-0 victory over Cameroon in a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ibadan.
At the 1990 AFCON tournament, he was instrumental as Nigeria secured a silver medal, narrowly missing out on an equaliser in the final against hosts Algeria from one of his trademark free-kicks. Ogunlana also featured in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup, which Nigeria hosted in Kaduna.
A Nation in Mourning
The passing of Ayo Ogunlana marks another loss for Nigerian football, following the recent death of Moses Effiong, a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad.
Ogunlana will be remembered as a skilful and composed midfielder who left an indelible mark on Nigerian football. His contributions to the game will not be forgotten, and the nation mourns the departure of a true legend.
