…10 years after Olympic medalist’s death
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Authentic Nigeria Football And Allied Sports Supporters Club (ANFASSC) have paid tributes to the late Olubayo Adefemi.
It was exactly ten years on Sunday that Adefemi, an Olympic Silver medalist and former Flying Eagles defender lost his life on 18 April of the year 2011.
Adefemi died in a road accident in Kavala, Greece with police saying he lost control of his car on the Engatia Highway, colliding with the central reservation before landing in the opposing lane.
The then 25-year-old who played at right back for Skoda Xanthi in the Greek Super League was on his way to Thessaloniki Airport to catch a flight back to Nigeria to finalize plans for his forth-coming marriage.
The NFF wrote: “It is already ten years that Olubayo Adefemi left a hole in our heart, you were a great man on and off the field of play.”
ANFASSC tweeted: “For your indelible mark, your patriotic contribution to the National team and everything you offered while active, we remember and we are certain you would have done more.
“Ten years on, Olubayo Adefemi, we take solace in the fact that you lived a good life, you gave all you had and you won in different spheres.
“Though, the manner at which you left the world was heart shattering, what we remember today is the exit of a patriot.
“We love you and remember you everytime. Rest on Olympic Silver medalist, Olubayo Adefemi.”
Adefemi represented Nigeria at the 2008 Beijing Olympics when they were runners up to winners, Argentina.
He joined Skoda Xanthi in the summer of 2010, scoring two goals in 24 appearances.
By Oluyemi Ogunseyin