France-based former utility player, Joseph Solomon has sent words of appreciation to his National Grassroots Dream Team colleagues for supporting him during the burial thanksgiving activities for his late dad.
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Sports247 reports that activities marking family rites for the late Elder Solomon Abudu came to a climax on Thursday, January 8th, 2026, with a church service and reception in Ijanikin area of Lagos State.
Although the church venue near the popular Vespa Market was quite a distance from the reception at Iyana Ira, both events were graced by family members, friends, former players, football administrators and well-wishers, much to the delight of Joseph, who happens to be the last born child of Elder and Deaconess Abudu.
The larger chunk of guests were former footballers that turned up to honour their France-based colleague, who played as a right-full-back as well as outside right winger and was pioneer captain in the junior squad of National Grassroots Dream Team, before becoming overall assistant skipper, until he travelled out to Portugal in 2011.
Joseph acknowledged the big role played by his friends and other personalities that were present at Thursday’s events, which he described as huge occasions to celebrate memories of his dad, who died at the age of 70 on March 31st, 2025.
He stated afterwards, “I am happy that the day came as planned, and it ended successfully.
“I appreciate all our family members, friends, and guests for coming, most especially the guys who were my teammates during our days together at National Grassroots Dream Team.
“I also thank our officials for houbting my invitation, especially our former TM, Mr Oscar, who made it possible for me to travel to Europe in 2011. I say thank you to him and everyone who made the thanksgiving for my dad highly successful. God will bless you all.
Sports247 gathered that the roll call of former grassroots players at the occasion was –
Home-based: Kazeem Raimi, Ayo John, Isiaka Soku, Segun Soyingbe, Dare Soyingbe, Favour Jackson, Yinka Dickson, Christian Ejoni, Chidi Chukwuka, Junior Benjamin, Bankole Eshin.
Foreign-based: Shakiru Abikoye, Tunde Ishola, Michael Andrew, Ebere Goodluck, Solomon Zikeyi, Success Godwin, Wasiu Afolabi, Monday Samuel.
