It was a shower of encomium on Sunday Abe, the long serving captain of Sunshine Stars as he retired from the round leather game in Akure on Thursday, 31 October 2024, Sports247 reports.
The Encomium was led by the Chairman of Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL said Sunshine stars FC Captain will not be jobless following his retirement from the round leather game .
Elegbeleye gave the assurance while delivering a speech at a carnival-like iconic Retirement celebration for the Akure born footballer , Abe Sunday in Akure , the Ondo state capital.
He said Abe Sunday remains a leader even after retirement.
” I’ve known Abe Sunday from his tender age , I’ve been with him off and on the pitch , I rescheduled many things at the Fct because of him , he is indeed worthy of a man to be celebrated”
The former chairman, house committee on sports told the gathering that he without looking back took Abe from the scratch, nutted him and monitored his success to the national team .
“Abe is like my son , he is part of me and today’s event is not just about Abe but myself, you guys are celebrating him today , but I can tell you that I’m also a celebrant ”
Otolorin Elegbeleye described Abe Sunday as a young man with a lot of good characters which aided his achievements on and off the pitch.
“A lot of soccer players are talented , but today we are celebrating our son who has good character, he is worthy of emulation”
Elegbeleye said under his watch Abe Sunday will not retire jobless .
” I can assure you that your retirement is a lead way to greater things , from today you are stepping higher , you won’t retire jobless I can assure you ” .
Chairman , Ondo State Football Association , Otunba Dele Ajayi described Abe Sunday as a great ambassador of Akure Kingdom, urging younger players to emulate him .
“Abe started well and ended well, his zeal to achieve greater things is top notch and we are all proud of you”
Otunba Dele Ajayi, was represented by his chief of staff, Mr Sunday Aladenika .
Super Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen led individuals with good will messages for the former Sunshine stars Fc Captain .
Austin Eguavoen described Abe Sunday as a fighter whose determination on the pitch should be emulated .
Other stakeholders who spoke at the event were former Super eagles player Mutiu Adepoju , Ganiyu Oseni and former under 17 and under 20 player now Fifa agent Alfa yakubu .
Ambassador Henry Abiodun , Vincent Temitope , Jide Jimoh described Abe Sunday and a rare gem whose impact can never be less quantified .
Chairperson, Ondo state football Coaches Association, Mrs Tayo Onilude urged talented footballers in Ondo state and beyond to emulate Abe’s examplary style.
“He gave his best now we are here gathered to celebrate him , another life starts today , he is a brother that we all love and he has represented Akure Kingdom so well , he deserves the best and he should be recognized state- wide and Nationwide .”
Traditional rulers , families and friends , artisans , Referees , coaches, football teams, and journalists attended the event .
