Anambra to give Onyeanwuna befitting burial

The Anambra State Government has pledged to give fallen ex-Nigeria international, Albert Onyeanwuna, a befitting burial between August 26 and 31 in Lagos, Awka and Abatete, his hometown.

The former Red Devils (as the Nigerian national team was then known) died on April 21 in Lagos. He was 75 years.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Onyeanwuna’s home in Festac Town, Lagos, Anambra State Commissioner for Sports, Tony Nnachetta, said plans were on ground to honour the fallen ex-player.

Nnachetta, who represented the Anambra State Governor Willie Obiano said, “Anambra will honour Onyeanwuna by celebrating his life properly; he lived for Nigeria and shouldn’t be left for Anambra people alone to immortalise.

“It is our desire that our hero, Onyeanwuna, would be given a burial in keeping with his accomplishments, not only to underscore his achievements and contributions to the building of Nigeria, but also to encourage the youths to excel in their chosen endeavours.

“The National Stadium, Abuja has not been named after anyone. There are also three new stadiums in Anambra and a road that passes through the front of his house. These are considerable options when talk of immortalising him.”

Onyeanwuna’s eldest child, Ngozi, said his father, who was sick before his demise, needed help at a point in his lifetime, “but it didn’t come.”

She however, expressed delight at Anambra State’s pledge to honour his father with a befitting burial.