The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed condolences to the family of former Nigerian international midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died on Friday in Kaduna after completing an early-morning stroll.
Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, NFF General Secretary, paid tribute to the late midfielder, who was a standout during several crucial Nigeria FA Cup clashes in the 1980s. Ogunlana also led the Super Eagles’ midfield in the late 1980s and at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations final in Algeria.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, just a couple of weeks after the death of another former Eagle, Moses Effiong (a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, who passed away in the USA).
Ogunlana was a great midfielder who made playing football look effortless with his majestic touches, turns, and magnificent free-kicks.
“We pray that the Almighty grants both of them eternal rest and provides their families with the fortitude to bear these tremendous losses.”
Ogunlana excelled in midfield as Nigeria defeated Guinea and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also gave a convincing display against Cameroon in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Ibadan, which the Super Eagles won 2-0. Ogunlana also competed in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup, which Nigeria hosted in Kaduna.
In March 1990, the midfield maestro drew glowing praise when Nigeria won the silver medal at the 17th Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, coming close to scoring a late equalizer in the final against hosts and champions Algeria from his preferred dead ball position.
