The management of Sunshine Stars FC of Akure has expressed shock over the death of a former coach of the club, Lawrence Akpokona, whose sad event took place on Saturday during a brief illness, Sports247 reports.
The Owena Waves expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Akpokona, who the chairman of Ondo State Football Agency (ODSFA), Divine Ogbonnaya described as a diligent coach that gave his best during his time with the team.
Ogbonnaya lamented over what he referred to as the untimely death of a highly dedicated coach, who he also described as a true professional, whose immense contributions and sacrifices to Sunshine Stars while in charge will never be forgotten.
A statement signed by the club’s media officer, Isaac Afolabi, added: “Ogbonnaya stated that Akpokona, who managed several clubs in the Nigerian domestic league, played a significant role during his time with the Akure-based club.
“He stressed that his name would remain etched in the history of Sunshine Stars FC. The ODSFA chairman, therefore, prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased.”
Sports247 recalls that Akpokona, who also handled Bendel Insurance of Benin City as well as Julius Berger FC of Lagos, served as gaffer at Sunshine Stars in 2003 for a transitional tenure before the appointment of a substantive head coach.
