Abdul Rahman, the son of late Ali Jeje, the captain of the 1983 set of Flying Eagles, the first to represent Nigeria at the World Cup, has been awarded full scholarship by his father’s teammates.
Ali Jeje, then a wingback led the historic team to the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship in Mexico, where the country’s flag was raised the first at a FIFA-organised tournaments.
Despite not making it out of their group, Ali Jeje led by example, with his unwavering dedication to the team and the sport left an indelible mark on the annals of Nigerian football history.
It is on this premise his teammates have rallied to support Abdul Rahman’s educational aspirations through a scholarship, according to Paul Okoku, the assistant captain of the team who expressed gratitude to everyone that has supported the cause in a chat with PUNCH Sports Extra on Saturday.
“On behalf of the Esteemed Solidarity Flying Eagles Team, 1983 set, and as the vice captain of the history-making squad, I salute you, my fellow teammates, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our team members who generously supported this initiative financially and in kind who deserve our genuine appreciation for their integral role in the scholarship scheme: Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Otti Amaechi, Femi Olukanni, Dehinde Akinlotan, Taju Disu, Dahiru Sadi, Tarila Okorowanta, Manu Garba, Alphonsus Akhahon, Sunday Edema Benson, Yemi Adebanjo, Samson Siasia, Patrick Udoh, Muyiwa Manny Motajo, Humphrey Edobor, Bright Benson, Wahab Adesina, Wilfred Agbonabare, Christopher Anigala, Yisa Sofoluwe, Raymond King, Mike Igbeka and Tarfa Kpako,” said Okoku, a midfielder that went on to play in the Super Eagles.
He continued, “I expressed deep gratitude to my teammates for their unwavering support and commitment. Our collective action exemplified the essence of true teamwork and underscored the power of unity in honoring the cherished memory of our beloved captain, Ali Jeje.
“Abdul Rahman Jeje’s heartfelt appreciation for the opportunity to further his education serves as a poignant testament to the transformative impact of this scholarship on his future. With profound humility, he extends his heartfelt gratitude to the Flying Eagles, 1983 set, for illuminating the path to a brighter future and honoring his father’s enduring legacy.”
Ali Jeje, who also led the team to win the Africa Youth Championship, known as the Tesema Cup in the same year, died on December 12th, 2007 following a brief illness aged 43. He played club Football for Mighty Jets of Jos and Abiola Babes of Abeokuta.
