THE Edo State Football Association has expressed sadness over the death of veteran coach Lawrence Akpokona, who once successfully handled the state-owned Bendel Insurance Football Club.
Akpokona was pronounced deceased on Friday, June 26 after he lost his battle with illness.
“The Edo State Football Association (EDSFA) has received with profound sadness the news of the passing of one of Edo State’s finest football tacticians, Coach Lawrence Akpokona, whose death has thrown the football family in Edo State and Nigeria into mourning,” the FA said in a statement signed by its Chairman Fred Newton Erhunmwunse.
“On behalf of the Executive Committee, stakeholders, coaches, referees, clubs, players and the entire football fraternity in Edo State, the Chairman of the Edo State Football Association, Fred Newton Erhunmwunse, extends his heartfelt condolences to the Akpokona family, Bendel Insurance Football Club, the Nigeria Football Federation, and the entire Nigerian football community over this painful loss.
“Coach Akpokona was a distinguished football administrator and tactician whose immense contributions to the growth and development of football in Edo State and Nigeria will forever remain etched in history.
“His remarkable achievements with Bendel Insurance Football Club, particularly leading the “Benin Arsenal” to continental glory by winning the CAF Cup in 1994, alongside securing two WAFU Cup titles, remain some of the greatest milestones in the history of Edo football.
“His legacy was not limited to silverware alone. Coach Akpokona was widely respected for his tactical brilliance, humility, professionalism, calm disposition and unwavering commitment to discovering and nurturing football talents.
“He also left indelible footprints across Nigerian club football through his managerial roles with notable clubs, including Ocean Boys FC and Julius Berger FC, where he continued to inspire excellence and contribute immensely to the development of the domestic game.
“The story of football in Edo State cannot be told without acknowledging the invaluable role played by Coach Lawrence Akpokona. His dedication, leadership and passion elevated not only Bendel Insurance Football Club but also the image of Edo football on both the national and continental stages.
“As a football family, we have lost a mentor, an icon and a true ambassador of the game. While his passing leaves a painful void, we take solace in the enduring legacy he leaves behind through the countless players he mentored, the trophies he won, and the lives he positively impacted.
“The Edo State Football Association prays that Almighty God grants his family, friends, former colleagues and the entire football community the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.
“May the gentle soul of Coach Lawrence Akpokona rest in perfect peace. Amen.”
