By Fabian Okoye
I woke up this morning to the shocking news of the demise of a friend and one of Nigeria’s most talented footballers, the midfield maestro and utility player, Justice Christopher. Justice was a special kind of player. He had extraordinary skills and vision. He made football look so easy. He made his impact in Nigeria’s junior teams and later the Super Eagles. He plied his trade in the National League and later Europe.
Born on 25th December 1983, Justice Christopher hit it off in sports as a hockey player in Plateau State. He later switched to football and started his playing career with Delta Stars of Warri, before moving to Elkanemi of Maiduguri. It did not take long before he was noticed by Col. Abdulmumini Aminu, who then detailed Kelechi Okoye, former Nigerian International to bring the talented defensive midfielder to his club, Katsina United. While playing for Katsina United, his career blossomed. He was called to the Under 20 National Team. He later captained the team and showed real leadership. From the Under 20 Team he was invited to the Super Eagles where he became one of Nigeria’s most dependable defenders.
The utility player later laced his boots for Bendel Insurance of Benin and Sharks of Port Harcourt before jetting out to Europe. He played for Royal Antwerp of Belgium, Levski Sofia of Bulgaria and FC Malmo of Sweden. The knee injury he sustained while playing in Europe brought his glorious football career to a sad end.
We were so close in our area, Tudun Wada, Jos, Plateau State. He was humble, simple, engaging and generous. He will be sorely missed. Nigeria has indeed lost one of its best footballers and engaging sports personalities. May the good Lord have mercy on his soul and grant him eternal rest.
• Okoye, a civil rights advocate, wrote from Sokoto.