An exhibition match scheduled for this Thursday, to kick-start burial rites for late Coach Osahon Emokpae, has received a new time and venue, at the instance of Badagry Division Football Association (BDFA).
READ ALSO: Badagry Football Coaches Ready To Honour Late Osahon Emokpae With Exhibition Match On Thursday At FHA Stadium
Sports247 gathered that the match will now take place from 2pm on Thursday at Amuwo Grammar School, Opposite FESTAC Town 2nd Gate, Agboju, Lagos (in contrast with the initial choice of FHA Sadium).
The long-awaited encounter, which is tagged ‘Osahon Emokpae Memorial Match,’ will now be between BDFA Stakeholders and Iba Football Coaches Council, with both teams expected to be represented by ex-players who are now tacticians and officials at the community level.
Sports247 gathered further that the change in venue and time arose due to the need for easy movement of a large number of colleagues, players, stakeholders and fans seamlessly straight from the match to the wake keep at the late coach’s residence.
It was also gathered that the executive committee of BDFA has taken over logistics and planning for the match due to the fact that the late coach was until recently chairman of the association’s caretaker committee.
It was reckoned that BDFA had to be officially involved in burial activities for the late coach and founder of Young Stars FC of Satellite Town due to the official role he played in the divisional association’s recent history, as appointed by Lagos State Football Association (LSFA).
A statement from BDFA read in part, “Kindly note, the kick-off time has been scheduled for 2pm to enable all stakeholders move to the residence of our late chairman for the wake-keep after the match.
“All stakeholders are cordially invited to grace this solemn occasion, including (but not limited to) coaches, referees, club owners, chairmen, team managers, sports journalists, media, ex-players, football administrators, friends, and well-wishers.
“May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen. Sporting regards.”
Sports247 also learnt that the burial rites for the late coach will continue at the same residence in Satellite Town, Lagos on Friday morning with a funeral service.
The burial train will then move to Atan Cemetery, Yaba for interment of the late coach, who also previously worked with National Grassroots Dream Team, Enyimba Feeders of Aba, Vejle Football Academy of Lagos and FC Ebedie of Sagamu.
