Former Super Eagles midfielder, John Ugochukwu Ogu will have a double celebration this Saturday, as his mentor gets married and one of his childhood friends marks his birthday.
Ogu’s pal, now an Italy-based former footballer, Friday Ebeye (King), is also relishing having his birthday on the same day their youth club coach, Athan Edikan Umoette (aka Coach Lapa) is going to the altar.
Ogu, who last played for Al-Haddah of Saudi Arabia, after stops in Portugal, Spain, Belgium, Israel, and Turkey, has already sent messages of congratulations to both celebrants.
He noted that it is quite exciting to be associated with two people from his childhood years that are marking new milestones in their lives on the same day.
Indeed, Ogu and Ebeye both played under ‘Coach Lapa’ as budding talents at Mighty Starlet of Ijesha, Lagos several years ago, but they remain in touch with him.
While Ebeye went on to play for some mid-class clubs in Italy, Croatia, and Macedonia, Ogu became an established national team player.
In becoming Super Eagles’ assistant captain, the giant left-footed midfielder, fondly calked ‘Suker,’ featured for Nigeria at Russia 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
His last major celebration with the Eagles was winning bronze at last year’s AFCON in the Land of The Pharaohs, but he is now in a different kind of felicitation this weekend.
It is, however, left to be seen if Ogu will turn up physically for his mentor’s wedding at Christ Temple International Ministry, in the Orelope area of Egbeda, Lagos, or for the reception at Orororo Multi-purpose Hall, along Governor Road, Ikotun.
Nonetheless, Ogu’s pal enthused that it is a special day for them all, as their coach takes for wife fellow-Akwa Ibom State native, Miss Mary Etim Udofia.
Ebeye stated: “I am happy that this solemnization is on the same day as my birthday. It’s a double celebration for me.
“They already had the legal aspect at the registry on December 9th and traditional on December 12.
“Now it’s time for the church wedding. I pray that God will bless them fruitfully.”
