HOME > NEWS > FORMER SUPER EAGLES DEFENDER UCHE OKAFOR DEAD

Former Super Eagles defender Uche Okafor dead

Okafor, ex Eagle dead

Posted: 2011-01-07 12:57

Former Super Eagles defender Uche Okafor was on Thursday found dead at his home in Dallas, Texas. 

Uche was found hanging at his home, but it is not yet clear if it was a suicide or not.
 
Close friends say the former international showed no signs of depression and was in cheerful mood early in the week after speaking with some of his former team mates, including Nigeria coach Samson Siasia during the New Year celebrations.
 
His home has been cordoned off, as an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death are carried out by a US Coroner 

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oscar : 2011-01-07 13:03

Why o why? What could be the reason? So sad.

David: 2011-01-07 13:12

THIS IS INDEED A SAD NEWS, MAY GOD GIVE HIS FAMILIES THE GRACE TO BEAR THE LOST AND MAY HIS GENTLE SOUL REST IN PERFECT PEACE. AMEN

Ugonna: 2011-01-07 13:49

MY GOD! MY GOD! MY GOD! THIS IS SO SAD I JUST FELT LIKE CRYING WHEN I SAW THIS!

MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE. AMEN

Mega: 2011-01-07 14:30

Well I'm sure that if a white man dies hanging in his house in Nigeria, heavens would have fallen and hell let loose. Then 9ja would be branded murderes/terorists by CNN and Fox even b/f official investigations. Let's wait and see what would come out of this.

May your soul rest in peace. Ironically about 3days ago , I asked a friend where&what Uche Okafor and Okechukwu are and have been up to these past few years??.well ... Now I know. RIP my brother , I'll never forget u!!


Peace

stdennis: 2011-01-07 14:40

Oh UCHE OKAFOR! I got d news with shock and disbelief.I greatly mourn your untimely demise.My prayers and thoughts re wit ur family at this painful moment.I remember your impacts in Tunisia 94 and USA 94,alongside Uche Okechukwu and Chidi Nwanu in central defence. I knew u last played for Kansas City Wizard in d MLS around 99. U re the first member of that golden generation to die. RIP.

Love: 2011-01-07 14:44

This is not a cheering news....plz no forumite should make a funny statement out of this. This is a man who was faithful wen in active service.More importantly the circumstance surrounding his death calls for a sober reflection. May the Lord give his family the fortitude to bear the loss and pray such will not befall our nation again in JESUS NAME

opus: 2011-01-07 15:10

May his soul rest in peace. Amen

Billion: 2011-01-07 15:24

It's very rare for Nigerians to die this way, no, not in a foreign land.I support @Mega - thorough investigations be carried out and results made public. Okafor, Nigerians remember & wish u well.

Game147: 2011-01-07 16:08

Uche Okafor dead ? This is a very sad news. I remember this guy during the '94 nations cup in Tunisia and world cup in USA. Very patriotic footballer. I sympathize with His family. May his gentle soul rest in peace.

jason: 2011-01-07 17:32

Ha! am gutted, speechless gobmacked. why on earth will he hang himself. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace Senior, just like yesterday meeting you at the sheraton hotels and towers ikeja after the nations cup 94, you took time to attend to me, despite i was not there to see you, what you bestow on me was a blessing .... Thank you so much. hmmm unbelievable. RIP SENOR UCHE OKAFOR

Ugonna: 2011-01-07 17:39

@Jason,

How did you know he hanged himself, where you there while He was dying?

Joker: 2011-01-07 18:05

This is a shameful death to his family and Nigeria..whatever be the situation, u have no right to hang urself. run to God Almighty and u will be saved.

Joker: 2011-01-07 18:05

This is a shameful death to his family and Nigeria..whatever be the situation, u have no right to hang urself. run to God Almighty and u will be saved.

Detmolder: 2011-01-07 18:07

How good a footballer was he? I don't know the dead dude hence the question?

Black Baboon : 2011-01-07 18:10

I have not found any record of how good he was. Can someone enlighten me?

Joker: 2011-01-07 18:11

my comments also goes to other people who might be in thesame situation and trying to hang theself.

Abu asmau: 2011-01-07 18:24

Well all death is death but this 1 come at the bad period i hope and the gentle soul of Uche Okafor RIPP also it is bad if he hanged himself we should always remember that God is in controle please let us not do things that will put some ppl in danger my country ppl let us be praying when its our own time to die we should have a peacefull death

Obioloro: 2011-01-07 18:43

Someone has died!!! Does it really matter if it is not Maradona, He represented his country not just by saying he is a Nigerian or by just carrying a green passport!! He represented the country at the highest level in his profession so to the "person" asking how good a player he was, this isn't the time to ask!! Also, this is neither the moment nor the forum to air sentiments on hanging as a means of suicide, or how the western media portrays Nigeria. His daughter has lost her Dad, His wife has lost her husband.. May God grant his family the Fortitude to bear this loss.

Kolawole1: 2011-01-07 18:44

So sad. I still watched him on ESPN presspass this last December. How come he was living alone? what about his spouse and children. What a loss!

alfred: 2011-01-07 18:51

Almighty God knows why you left this world so soon., i still remember ur days in super eagles when the commentator we say" from uche to uche meaning from uche okechukwu to uche okafor., may ur gentle soul rest in peace Amennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn


IGHILE OSEMWEGIE ALFRED., PRAIA CAPE VERDE ISLAND

Eric: 2011-01-07 18:56

Oh! Uche Okafor!! May the almighty God give his family the fortitude to bear the loss and grant his soul eternal rest. Amen.

akuobi: 2011-01-07 19:02

bro may your soul rest in perfect peace.amen

akuobi: 2011-01-07 19:07

for sure we could not forget your great efforts in the coulors off niaja super eagles.

skill: 2011-01-07 19:41

oh my GOD,this is a sad news,may his soul rest in peace

elzo: 2011-01-07 20:25

I am deeply saddened by this...Nwanne, Uchenna, may God give your family, loved ones, and fans the fortitude to bear your loss. RIP.

wiseman: 2011-01-07 20:45

@ Black Baboon, Uche was a member of the victorious Tunisia ’94 team as a defender. He was also part of the USA ’94 team but he was not featured in any of the matches because of Westerhoff’s preference for Chidi Nwanu. He featured in Nigeria’s match against Paraguay in France ’98 before he left for USA coaching youth teams. Very sad indeed! My heartfelt sympathy goes to his family and friends.

kaduna united: 2011-01-07 21:10

@joker,@Detmolder,@Black boon,a great heroe of nigeria died,look at d rubish u pipul are writing.u wnt 2 know how gud he was b4 u sympatize,u wnt 2 know if nd y he hungd himsel.ndi araa.

Bona: 2011-01-07 21:29

Gone too soon, my condolence to his family. Adieu Uche

adaku: 2011-01-07 22:03

OMG... its so so sad, Uche Okafor? cant believe this, What? oooohhh may his soul rest in perfect peace ooo, kai!!. ADA iBEZIM

Black Baboon : 2011-01-07 22:23

@wiseman - thanks for the info

Omo 9ja: 2011-01-07 22:35

What a shock news, it's very sad and may God almighty be with soul and his family,amen.

Omo 9ja: 2011-01-07 22:39

What a shock news, it's very sad and may God almighty be with his soul and his family,amen

chesta: 2011-01-08 00:13

in the year 1994, i was a 6 year old boy. Bt according to what i heard about the team that represented nigeria at 1994 nations cup and worldcup respectively, they are heros. Its a very sad news that a legend like'uche okafor' has died. May ur soul rest in peace brother and may God console ur familly and relatives through. We wil miss u bro. Rest in peace*sad*

chesta: 2011-01-08 00:20

in the year 1994, i was a 6 year old boy. Bt according to what i heard about the team that represented nigeria at 1994 nations cup and worldcup respectively, they are heros. Its a very sad news that a legend like'uche okafor' has died. May ur soul rest in peace brother and may God console ur familly and relatives through. We wil miss u bro. Rest in peace*sad*

Joker: 2011-01-08 00:21

@kaduna united...God said in any situation run to me u shall be saved..tell me the reason why this man took off a beautiful life God have giving to him...it is a shameful death..he is no longer a hero.cus a hero can never die like a goat.

Joker: 2011-01-08 00:24

@kaduna united...God said in any situation run to me u shall be saved..tell me the reason why this man took off a beautiful life God have giving to him...it is a shameful death..he is no longer a hero.cus a hero can never die like a goat.

Angelchichi: 2011-01-08 03:52

Former Nigerian international, Ben Iroha is still confused over events surrounding the death of his former team mate, Uche Okafor who died January 6, in the United States.
Iroha who said he returned from the USA only last Monday could not still believe the story which he broke to a website.
“I still don’t understand the circumstances surrounding my friend’s death,” Iroha told Sports Vanguard on phone. “Uche was a nice guy, he was funny and hard-working. He is also knowledgeable and smart.”
Iroha said the entire scenario was like a dream because Uche had told him of his imminent trip to Nigeria. “I was in the States from where I returned just last Monday. Although I was in the US for some weeks we could not meet, but we were talking everyday on phone. He told me he would be in Nigeria in two weeks,” Iroha said.
Reflecting on their active days as footballers, Iroha said, “I rate Uche very high. He was a great footballer. I first met Uche in 1983 School Sports Festival. He was around till Tunisia and USA ‘94.”
He said Uche was a funny pal and was always shared the same room with Alloy Agwu and Austin Eguavoen. “He would make us laugh and laugh with his rib-cracking jokes. We will all miss him.”
Uche was a member of the victorious Nigerian national football team that won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and represented Nigeria at the USA ‘94 FIFA World Cup where Nigeria was eliminated in the second round by Italy.
His club career saw him play at the defunct ACB football club of Lagos before going abroad to feature for Belgian club, KRC Machelen.
He also played for Hannover 96 before ending his career at Sporting Kansas City, formerly known as Kansas City Wizards.
He was also an ****yst on African football for ESPN until his death.

Angelchichi: 2011-01-08 03:53

Wife of the late Super Eagles defender, Uche Okafor, Ify, relations and friend are still in shock over his demise are still wondering why the ex footballer would want to commit suicide.
Group Sports Editor of Vanguard newspapers, Onochie Anibeze, a very close friend of the late Okafor said he spoke with him at 4p.m. Nigerian time ( about 10 a.m. in Dallas where the footballer lived).
“I spoke to Uche yesterday, I could have been the last person or among the last people that spoke with him. He called to find out if the NFF has made any announcement on appointments into committees.
He was supposed to be among those appointed into the technical committee but the NFF president, Maigari promised to appoint him into the youths development committee. So it is a shock to me why he would want to take his life,”Anibeze stressed.
He told Saturday Vanguard sports that he called Uche’s wife, Ify Okafor who confirmed the death of her husband and expressed shock as to why he would take his own life.
“According to his wife, Uche had droppedcoff their daughter, Tochukwu in school and had gone back home. She said that one of his friends called Nde called her to say that all the calls he put through to Uche were not returned and he had to call her to ask what was wrong.She said she also called him but he didn’t pick and at that point she had to rush back home to find er husband dead.

Clovis: 2011-01-08 04:08

My heart and prayers are with you and the family left behind. May you rest in Christ Peace.

This is a big lost for Nigeria

Obioloro: 2011-01-08 07:56

Somebody tell this "Joker" of a guy that suicide is suicide regardless of the method!! Depressed people have a tendency to commit suicide... Not saying he is depressed. My advice is that if you don't know the method and manner of your death, SHUT-UP!!! Then go to Jos and preach to those who take life in the name of GOD!!

Udeme: 2011-01-08 09:25

@Detmolder, Uche Okafor was one of the best defenders that Nigeria has ever produced. You can go to youtube.com to watch some of his matches. The guy was good. He helped Nigeria to win the Nations cup in 1994 and he was at the 1994 and 1998 worldcups.

Joker: 2011-01-08 11:25

@Obioloro..@onezone..wht a **** r u guys talking abt? who is the owner of ur life? who give u the right to kill urself? So r u trying to tell us tht is good for someone to commit suicide right?
A hero is someone tht set good example for the young one to follow.take it or leave.

Mr. Mallam: 2011-01-08 11:28

Am suprise dat some ppl writin here dnt evn knw dis guy nd dey are posting rubbish..dis is one of naijas finest and clean footballers,,he served dis country wel,,our country is yet to get that golden backline of their days,,uche okafor,,uche ukechukwu,,ben iroha,,austin eguavon,,chidi nwanu and peter rufai..oh uche,,nigerians are too strong to die by suicide,,proper investigtion should be done..all dose callin it a suicide should wait for the truth cos as tru nigerians we are too strong at heart to asume hopelesness,,adieu senior..

N.RIBADUFOR2011: 2011-01-08 11:40

UCHE NWANNE..KA CHINEKE NARA MPKULUOBI GI NA NDOKWA..AMEN

Joker: 2011-01-08 13:42

I am not judging any one but if the report is a true story, then it is a shameful death to his family and Nigeria. He is no longer a hero. A hero is someone tht started a war and finish it.
@onezone: May God have mercy upon u.

1luv9ja: 2011-01-08 17:47

Adiue bro uche okafor,may ur gentle soul rest in peace....am shot of words hearing dis news.

Sley: 2011-01-08 21:49

This might have been a setup. I dont think he committed suicide. But whatever might have transpired may his soul rip. May God give his family the strength 2 bear the loss.

BAMIDELE IFENOWO,HOD BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, FEDERAL POLYTECHNIC, ILARO,OGUN STATE,NIGERIA. : 2011-01-09 01:16

I smell more than a rat in the sudden demise of this brilliant player.I hope the U.S Corroners gets to the bottom of this.ADIEU UCH
E.

James: 2011-01-09 01:51

Oh Uche! what a loss to Nigeria and his family. A very good footballer, although a central defender but always going forward. I remember your days in the super eagles alongside, Uche okechukwu, Chidi Nwanu, Stephen Keshi,Samson Siasia, Folorunshe Okenla, Ben Iroha, Yisa Sofoluwe,George finidi, Ndubuisi Okosieme, Daniel Amokachi, Rashidi Yekini, Thompson Oliha, Augustine Eguavoen,Peter Rufai, Wilfred Agbovsevgave, Augustine Igbivnobaro, Osaro Obabaifo,etc. You play with these players at one time or the other. I remember in 1989 when Sam Okwaraji died, you were beside him after he slumped, and Sam said " Uche kporom doctor" meaning Uche, call me a doctor. I know a lot of people in this forum were not born by the or were to young to remember that incident, to me, it was like yesterday. What a good footballer! I used to admire then, very handsome, cool headed, and always good with his head in aerial battles.Adiu Uche!

Hendryx: 2011-01-09 11:18

Uche, May your soul rest in peace bother! Amen

Sarah: 2011-01-09 15:18

Ghana, England friendly on March 29

Dr Chuks: 2011-01-10 10:44

Okafor did not kill himself
…Family says no to US police suicide hints
By Our reporter
Monday, January 10, 2011
•Okafor
Photo: Sun News Publishing


The family of Uche Okafor has denied hints from the United States of America (USA) police that the Super Eagles' former defender, Uche Okafor, killed himself.

The Nigerian ex-international was reported to have died by hanging in his Dallas, USA, home. But in a swift reaction to the circumstances surrounding his death, the player's family spokesperson, Ugochukwu Nwaokoro, refuted the suicide story, stressing that there was more to his death than meet the eyes.

“We are disappointed with the stories being circulated on the internet,” Nwaokoro, in a telephone conversation, said from the United States (US). “There is no iota of truth in any of the stories that Uche died by hanging. This is because the Uche we all knew could not kill himself. We shall get to the roots of the matter.

The autopsy report will reveal he truth of how Uche really died to the whole world. Meanwhile, police investigations are ongoing. For now, we are still in a deep shock over his strange death and we are not going to make any further comment until the autopsy report is made available to us very soon,” Nwaokoro said.
“On behalf of the entire Okafor's family of Umuabali, Ubomiri, Imo State, Nigeria, both resident at home and abroad, I would like to thank Uche's friends, associates and football/soccer lovers around the world, for your outpouring of love and support since the news of Uche's death broke. Your prayers, emails, text messages and calls are highly appreciated.

“As the family struggles to come to terms with Uche's passing away, we ask that you be patient in drawing conclusions about the circumstances surrounding his death. Police investigations are still ongoing, while the autopsy results are yet to be released.

“The Okafor family would like to advise everyone, no matter how well-intentioned, to refrain from making unguarded statements about Uche's death. “In the meantime, please continue to remember us in your prayers, so that we can find the strength to deal with the devastating loss.

Tunde777: 2011-01-10 14:47

r i p! Uche

Abdullahi ayuba : 2011-01-10 17:46

A sad end 4 one of our vry best durring his hay days,u wil surely be missed O K

otti: 2011-01-13 23:04

May his soul rest in peace, and may almighty father guide his entire family. Chairman Ottan FC.