Ogun State chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) and Gateway United Football Club have expressed sadness over the exit of Chief Kashimawo Laloko, the Olori Parakoyi of Egbaland
Laloko who died on Saturday at Sacred Hearts Catholic Hospital, Abeokuta at age 76, will be buried at his Gbonagun residence, Abeokuta at 3.00 pm this Monday-March 29, 2021.
SWAN in a statement by its Secretary,
Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji described the
death of former Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF),as inevitable and colossal loss to the Nigerian football and world at large.
The association stated that the football administrator would be greatly missed for his developmental grassroots football in Nigeria through his pet project, Pepsi Academy.
According to SWAN,"This latest death is another blow to the sporting fraternity in Nigeria which in the past weeks have been hit with the deaths of national heroes"
The association recalled the numerous contributions of the late Fifa and Caf Instructor to the development of football in Nigeria and globally
"Outside being vocal and critical on football issues, the veteran coach was known for his invaluable contributions to the Pepsi Football Academy."
"The Academy nurtured many football talents in Nigeria to stardom. The list includes Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie, Soga Sambo, Elderson Echejile, Joseph Akpala, Yinka Adedeji, among many others"
Laloko also had a stint as the national team coach of The Gambia.
"We hope his pet project, Pepsi Academy would continue to blossom and nurture future football talents in the country. We call on the sponsor of the Pepsi Academy to rename Academy Laloko Football Academy as mark of honour on the national hero", SWAN stated .
Also mourning the exit,the management of Gateway United Football Club expressed shock over the death of its former Technical Adviser
The Club's acting General Manager, Niyi Soleye In a condolence message made available to Edu-Biznews in Abeokuta by the team's Media Officer Moses Ojewumi, described the deceased as an indefatigable contributor to the growth of the round leather game in Nigeria and Africa at large.
His words "No word can exhaustively describe his love for grassroot football. He had a rare penchant for sports development and he did pursue that fundamentally. Many of us are enjoying the way he paved in football administration, talent grooming and sports management"
"No doubt, he will be greatly missed. For us at Gateway United, his words of advice and technical support will continue to resonate. May the Almighty in his infinite mercy grant the family and his loved ones the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss"
Laloko was the founder of Pepsi Football Academy. He served as Technical Adviser of Gateway United from 2003 to 2004.
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