In a sombre announcement, the football community in Nigeria bids farewell to Coach Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, the revered architect behind the historic victory of the Golden Eaglets at the 1985 U-16 World Cup in China.
The legendary coach often hailed as Nigeria’s first World Cup-winning coach, passed away at the age of 85 after a prolonged battle with illness.
The news of Coach Broderick-Imasuen’s demise was officially confirmed through a WhatsApp message by Harrison Jalla, Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force.
The coach’s passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian football, leaving behind an indelible legacy that transcends his 1985 World Cup triumph.
Chuka Imasuen, the son of the late coach, had previously appealed for support in 2023, revealing that his father was grappling with a stroke and diabetes.
Despite the family’s efforts and financial commitment, the revered coach succumbed to his ailments in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Beyond the historic World Cup victory in 1985, Coach Broderick-Imasuen’s influence on Nigerian football extended far and wide.
As a player, he represented Nigeria at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and left an indelible mark by scoring a winning free-kick in the 1972 Challenge Cup for Bendel Insurance.
In his coaching career, he led the Golden Eaglets to two additional World Cup appearances, reaching the final in 1987.
Despite falling short of the Soviet Union on penalties, the coach’s impact on nurturing young talent remained undeniable. He also served as an assistant coach during the Super Eagles’ golden era under Clemens Westerhof.
The octogenarian’s coaching journey included stints with Udoji United, Bendel Insurance, and El Kanemi Warriors, showcasing his dedication to the growth of football in Nigeria.
As the nation mourns the loss of a football icon, Coach Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen’s contributions to the sport will forever be etched in the annals of Nigerian football history.
