NFF mourns passing of midfield pearl, Ayo Ogunlana
By Olaolu Joseph
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has condoled with the family of former Nigerian international midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who passed away in Kaduna on Friday after completing his early-morning walk.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, paid tribute to the departed midfield pearl, who was a star player during several key Nigeria FA Cup battles in the 1980s. Ogunlana also commanded the midfield for the Super Eagles in the late 1980s and at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals 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 was exceptional in midfield as Nigeria triumphed over Guinea and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations. He also delivered a commanding performance against Cameroon in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Ibadan, which the Super Eagles won 2-0. Ogunlana also participated in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup competition, which Nigeria hosted in Kaduna.
In March 1990, the midfield maestro earned rave reviews as Nigeria secured the silver medal at the 17th Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, nearly scoring a late equalizer in the final against hosts and winners Algeria, from his favorite dead-ball position.
