Nigeria’s ex-internationals on Thursday mourned the demise of Joe Erico, a former Green Eagles goalkeeper, describing him as a mentor who lived a life worthy of emulation by up and coming starlets.
The 72-year-old former NEPA FC of Lagos FC goalkeeper died January 20 after a brief illness.
Wahidi Akanni, a former NEPA FC player, described the late coach as a perfect gentleman on and off the pitch.
“Erico was one of the most patient and respectable coaches. Whenever there is an issue, just talk to him and he will sort you out. His death is a big loss to Nigeria.
“He lived for football, and he was always ready to impact knowledge. It is sad that he is no longer with us. Young players have a lot to learn from him.’’ Akanni said.
Sharing the same view, Dosu Joseph, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, described Erico as a brilliant coach who mentored him as a young player.
“He trained me. He mentored me. Erico made me who I am today, plus the grace of God. It is sad that he is gone. We usually don’t want our loved ones to die.
“My sympathies to his family. Times like this can be trying and we can only pray for strength. I hope we get remembered before we die, because Nigeria does not honour its heroes while they are alive.
“That is why that act of heroism is reducing. If it’s not beneficial, nobody is willing to give it a 100 percent chance. That’s why young players are mindful about what they can achieve while they are active,’’ he said.
Also speaking, Emmanuel Babayaro, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, described Erico’s demise as a huge loss to the Nigeria football family.
“I was with him around November 2020, he was an all-rounder. When it comes to football and human management, he was particular about ensuring that things went smoothly.
“I can attest to the fact that he was a good man. Football was his life, and he gave his best, I pray young starts will be as humble and kind as Joe was.
“I pray for his children and wife, that God will keep them and grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. But we should always check on our patriots. We still have a lot to learn from them.
“We still have some of them living and we should take advantage of their knowledge. Let’s engage them and tap from their experience. These are the likes of Christian Chukwu, Adegboye Onigbinde, they still have a lot to give.
“These are men that played selflessly for their fatherland. Experience, they say, can’t be bought. Erico is gone with his knowledge. We should take maximum advantage of those that are still here,’’ he said.
President-General of Nigerian Football and other Sports Supporters Club, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo, said he was saddened by the death of Joe Erico, a former national team goalkeeper and assistant coach.
Ladipo said that the late Erico, popularly known as ‘Jogo Bonito Exponent’ was an icon who gave his best to Nigerian football as a player, goalkeeper and trainer.
“It’s sad to hear that Joe Erico is dead; sincerely, the news of his death has left me in a sorrowful mood. He was an icon whose love for Nigeria football cannot be overemphasised.
“He gave his best and active part of his life to football as a player, goalkeeper, trainer and coach both at the local FC and national team.
“Erico was an amiable person, very jovial, friendly, gifted in soccer and passionate about the success of our soccer. The football family, we his friends, his family and the nation will miss him,” Ladipo said.
Ladipo noted that Joe Erico, Stephen Keshi and Shuaibu Amodu were the three coaches that took the national team to Mali 2002, and unfortunately have all died.
According to him, the late goalkeeper and trainer introduced a style of play in his days on the pitch, which stood him out, and made significant contributions to football career of known players.
“He did a lot for us, most of our national players like Sunday Oliseh, Dosu Joseph, Samson Siasia, Emmanuel Amunike, Yakubu Aiyegbeni, Mutiu Adepoju and others, who later became professionals, passed through him,” Ladipo said.
He prayed for Erico’s soul to rest in peace and for God to grant his family fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, while extended his heartfelt condolences to the wife and children.