It’s sad we lost Emmanuel Ebiede so early — Shuaibu

• Advises Players To Rest, Eat Well After Stressful Training

Former Super Eagles striker, Ishola Shuaibu, has described the death of ex- midfielder, Emmanuel Ebiede, as sad. Ebiede, 47, died at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, on Friday, after suffering Hepatomegaly.

Survived by his wife and three children, Ebiede was part of the Flying Eagles squad at the 1995 African Youth Championship hosted by Nigeria.

He won only two caps for the senior team, the Super Eagles, making his debut under Serbian, Bora Milutinovic, in the 1-0 win over Iran in a friendly match played before France ‘98 FIFA World Cup.

Speaking with The Guardian, yesterday, Shuaibu, who also played under Bora Milutinovic in the Super Eagles, said that it was painful to lose a player like Ebiede at such a young age.

“I feel so sad to hear that he died at a young age of 47. This is the time he should be enjoying the fruit of his labour as an ex-player. No one can question God,” he stated.

Shuaibu, who was among coaches that were issued certificate at the ongoing MTN/NPFL/La Liga U15 tournament at Remo Stadium, Ogun State, on Thursday, advised ex-players to always find time to rest and eat well after a stressful day.

Shuaibu is of the view that good personal healthcare could go a long way in improving the condition of former footballers and athletes.

“I always tell my colleagues to find time to rest and eat well after a stressful training. I do rest for two hours everyday, and I always eat well because in my playing days, I was looking for how to reduce my weight. I didn’t eat so much then,” he said.

Shuaibu, who started his playing career with Iyayi Babes FC of Benin City, later dominated top clubs in the domestic league, emerging top goals scorer at Sharks of Port Harcourt, Eagles Cement FC and later Julius Berger FC of Lagos. Milutinovic invited him to the Super Eagles on his first appearance in the domestic League.