Owolabi eulogises late Dejo Fayemi

Former international, Felix Owolabi (MON) has described the late former Red Devils striker, Chief Dejo Fayemi, as one of the best players Nigeria have ever produced.

He stated this on Friday during the burial mass for the former WNDC Lions player in Ibadan, adding that the exploits of Fayemi, both for clubs and country, would always be remembered.

Owolabi, who is the president of the Association of Sports Veterans said: “The late Fayemi stands out as one of the best strikers Nigeria have ever produced. I think his number of goals, about seven in all World Cup qualifiers, made Nigeria the second team behind Tunisia aside from most goals in all-time ranking of scorers among African teams in the World Cup qualifying series.

“He was a complete gentleman, intelligent player, very skillful, to the extent that the legendary Juju musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, in one of his songs of the 70s mentioned him [Fayemi] as an exemplary talents in football.

“He was a complete footballer, I loved him and admired him, that is why the football veterans are here to celebrate him. We are not here to mourn but to celebrate the icon who has played for Nigeria with patriotic zeal and never got anything in return as a hero. He paid his dues for Nigeria.

“For me and all the members of the Association of Sports Veterans of which Pa Dejo was a member, we believe his name will always be written in the history book of soccer and posterity will never forget his immense and selfless service  because those who live for others never die.”

In his sermon, Parish Priest of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church, Asipa, Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan, John Idio, said the fallen soccer star lived a fulfilled life.

Meanwhile, the management of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) at the burial donated N200,000 to the family of the late soccer icon, who inspired Ibadan Lions to the 1959, 1960 and 1961 Challenge Cup finals.