Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala is Nigeria’s legendary goalkeeper. Born in Ogbe-Otu, Onitsha, Anambra State on May 7, 1951, he was an active footballer from 1966 to 1980. He started his football career with Onitsha Red Devils in 1966, moving to Enugu Rangers in 1971. He originally played in the left wing before his talent, proficiency, and invincibility in the goalpost were discovered.
A household name in Nigerian football and an imposing figure in the goal for over a decade, his height of 1.98 metres (6ft 6in) was a source of intimidation to anyone who encountered him on the pitch.
A legendary goalkeeper, he manned the goalpost for Nigeria from 1972 to 1980, making him one of the longest-serving national team goalkeepers. Within that period, the Nigerian national team, the Green Eagles, won the gold medal during the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos in 1973. He was a member of the national team that won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in 1978 and four months later finished as runners-up at the All-Africa Games in Algiers. Nigeria also won its first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in 1980.
In the 70s, Rangers of Enugu (later renamed Rangers International) became the most outstanding club in Nigeria. As the goalkeeper for Rangers from 1971 to 1980, the team lifted the Nigeria Premier League five times, won the Challenge Cup (renamed FA Cup) four times (successively from 1974 to 1977), as well as clinched the African Cup Winners Cup (renamed CAF Confederation Cup) in 1977.
Emmanuel Okala attained several feats and honours in the course of his career as a footballer. He won the African Footballer of the Year Award, the first player to do so in 1975. This was by courtesy of the African Sports Journalists Union (ASJU). His last assignment with the national team was the AFCON in 1980.
On May 17, 2021, the heroic goalkeeper clocked 70 years and was lauded by Muhammadu Buhari, then President of Nigeria. In a statement by Femi Adesina titled, “President Buhari hails heroic goalie, Emmanuel Okala, at 70.” According to the statement:
“As a goalkeeper for the senior national football team in his prime, President Buhari recalls that Okala represented the best of Nigerian talent and dexterity.
The President thanks the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations Winner for inspiring many with his brand of patriotism and dedication to duty each time he donned the national colours on duty.
The believes that Okala is worthy of honour and celebration as a coach and mentor who has helped many footballers succeed in their chosen careers.
He prays Almighty God to grant the elder statesman more memorable years of health and fulfilment in all his endeavours.”
At 71, Emmanuel Okala was described as a living legend. On the occasion of his 71st birthday celebration, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, eulogized Okala for his heroism during the period that he manned the post for Nigeria. According to Soludo:
“Okala was in the team that won the All-Africa Games football gold in Lagos in 1973. He was also part of the Green Eagles, now Super Eagles, who won bronze at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana in 1978. The squad also finished as runners-up at the All-Africa Games in Algiers four months later.”
Soludo noted Okala’s other achievements such as being named Africa’s best goalkeeper by ASJU in 1975, winning the Africa Cup Winners Cup in 1977, and lifting Nigeria’s first African Cup of Nations trophy in 1980.
“Okala’s towering achievements and contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria are commendable. His sense of duty, discipline, and dedication in serving the country remains legendary.
Therefore, I join millions of fans, teammates, and his family to wish Okala more years of good health and continued service to the nation, Soludo concluded.”
At the anniversary of his 72nd birthday on May 17, 2023, the former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, lauded the legendary goalkeeper in the following words:
“Emmanuel Okala is truly a rare gem in the game of football. He contributed a lot to the growth of the game, during his active days.
It is time to celebrate our hero, whose formidable track, left for other footballers to follow, is still intact.
As Emmanuel Okala celebrates this day, I wish him the very best in all his desires. I join millions of Nigerians to celebrate one of the best goalkeepers that Africa has ever produced,” said Dare.
A recipient of the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON), Emmanuel Okala is enjoying his retirement in Enugu.
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