The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid tribute to former national team captain Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye, as he marked his 70th birthday over the weekend.
In a congratulatory message, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, described the former Green Eagles star as a football legend whose achievements as a player and administrator remain significant to Nigerian football.
“The NFF congratulates Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye on this landmark occasion of his 70th birthday anniversary. It is not everyone who gets to attain the septuagenarian level. We celebrate him for his many wonderful outings for Nigeria and his excellent service as an administrator after his playing days,” Dr. Sanusi stated.
Owolabi, a key figure in Nigeria’s football history, played a pivotal role in the nation’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph on home soil in 1980. He captained the team during the 1982 AFCON in Libya, where Nigeria secured a 3-0 win over Ethiopia before losing to Algeria and Zambia in the group stage.
Beyond his international career, Owolabi’s club achievements include being part of IICC Shooting Stars (now 3SC) when they won the inaugural CAF Cup in 1992.
Now serving as a member of the NFF Technical and Development Committee, Owolabi continues to contribute to the advancement of Nigerian football. “We value his advice and suggestions on the direction Nigeria Football and the various National Teams should take,” Dr. Sanusi added.
Dr. Felix Owolabi Akinloye remains celebrated as an icon of Nigerian football, both for his pace and skill as a player and his dedication to football development post-retirement.
Follow us on:
