Emma Okala @ 70
OpenLife Nigeria reports that Emmanuel Oguajiofor Okala, popularly known as Emma Okala, is 70 years old. He is happy. Nigerians are happy and celebrating him. The world is agog about Emma Okala who brought panache to the round leather game.
Born on May 17, 1951, the ex-footballer who played for the Nigerian national football team from 1972–1980, won the award for “Footballer of the Year” in 1978 after winning the 1980 African Cup of Nations tournament while representing Nigeria.
Of all his exploits both at Enugu Rangers and national team, the 1975 experience remains memorable as narrated by Uzoatu, a face book fan of the goalie legend
“I once met a Congolese soccer fan in Pittsburgh, USA, who promptly asked me if the goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala is still alive. I told him Okala is alive and thriving.
The old man promptly told me that Okala is the greatest ever goalkeeper that ever lived. He talked of a match played in Brazzaville on July 13, 1975 between Congo and Nigeria in which the Nigerian striker (Sunny Oyarekhua) scored in the first minute.
According to the Congo man, the rest of the match was played inside the Nigerian penalty-box with the rampaging Congolese players peppering Okala with all kinds of shots. Okala could not be beaten.
Nigeria won the match 1-0!
All hail the most legendary of goalkeepers, Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala, as he marks his 70th birthday anniversary today!”
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