By James Moses (9News Nigeria-Jos)
Former National U-17 coach, Godwin Izilien who also led the Super Falcons to the African Women’s Nations Cup tittle, is dead.
The ex-International, 81, died in Benin city yesterday from abdominal issues, açcording to reports confirming the news from Bendel Insurance Media Officer, Kehinde Osagiede, said Izilien “died today after a brief illness”.
“He was a former Insurance coach who gave everything to discovering and nurturing football talents, both male and female, in Nigeria. The club (Insurance) is saddened by his death”.
Renowned as one of the best indigenous coaches, Izilien led the serial African Champions, Super Falcons to win the Women’s Nations Cup in 2004 and also took the Golden Eaglets to the African U-17 Nations Cup in 2005.
Until his death the football tactician was battling with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for his entitlements for the 2004 African Women’s Nations Cup in South Africa totalling about $12,000.
He alleged that NFF refused to pay his entitlements following the protest by Super Falcons players over unpaid allowances after the historic championship.
-9News Nigeria.
