The football community in Ogun State came together on Saturday to celebrate former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), Ifo Local Government Chapter, Chief Olaseinde Bankole, popularly known as “Zico,” during a colourful appreciation ceremony held at the Oba Moshood Alani Oyede Mini Stadium, Joju, Sango-Ota.
The event, organised by Leventis Joju Area Sports Committee in conjunction with Office Affair Project, featured novelty matches, tributes, and special awards in honour of the veteran football administrator for his immense contributions to grassroots football development.
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Sports247 reports that the celebration commenced with a women’s novelty match in which Ijamido Queens defeated Royaltoms Queens International 2-0. The festivities continued with another exhibition game involving selected football enthusiasts aged 40 and above, where the Blue Team claimed a 2-1 victory over the Green Team. In a symbolic gesture, the celebrant featured for both teams, playing one half on each side.
Before kickoff, a minute’s silence was observed in honour of deceased members of the football family, including Hon. Odunjo and other departed stakeholders.
A biography of Chief Bankole was read by his son, Oladele Olaseinde Michael, highlighting his remarkable journey in football. Born in December 1961, the respected coach is married to Mrs. Olabisi Motunrayo Olaseinde, and they are blessed with six children.
The event attracted several distinguished personalities from the Nigerian football fraternity, including Shooting Stars SC Head Coach Nurudeen Aweroro, former Benin international Muri Ogunbiyi, and ex-Nigerian international Olumide Banjo, among other notable guests.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent personalities, including Henry Oviawe, Kolawole Akiniyi, Principal of Community High School, Igbala, Muyiwa Odubiyi, and Naval Officer Akeem Sodipo, all of whom praised Bankole’s dedication to football development and mentorship over the years.
The ceremony also featured the presentation of special recognition awards by the organisers to Mr. Lukman Sanusi, Comrade Kamoru Dada (Iyo), Pastor Kayode Sobande, and the celebrant, Chief Olaseinde Bankole, in appreciation of their contributions to sports and community development.
The occasion served as a fitting tribute to one of Ogun State’s respected football figures, whose legacy in coaching, mentorship, and grassroots football continues to inspire the next generation of players and coaches.
