Nigeria and Shooting Stars football legend, Bright Omokaro, is thrilled after he was listed for honour by the Edo Football Association at a ceremony scheduled for the Excalibur Hotel, Benin City, on December 16.
The annual football awards were initiated on assumption of office by the Frank Ilaboya-led Edo FA last year to honour outstanding football personalities from the state and beyond.
Former hard-as-nails Super Eagles defender, Omokaro alongside ex-teammates Humphrey Edobor, Samson Ozogula, Sunday Eboigbe, Francis Moniedafe, Friday Elahor and Monday Eguavoen were shortlisted for the Outstanding Footballers of Our Time award.
“It’s a great thing to be honoured by my state FA. It’s an award that I will always cherish because I’m akin to a prophet honoured at home by his people,” the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations silver medalist said.
Also to be honoured in the Media Persons of the Year category are outstanding journalists from Edo State, Duro Ikhazuagbe (Sports Editor, ThisDay), Cecilia Omorogbe (Channels TV), Ben Ogbemudia (The Nation) and Benin-based broadcaster Eghosa Agbonlahor.
Veteran journalists Sam John and Akido Shitu scooped the Outstanding Media Personalities of Our Time awards while late ex-Eagles coaches Stephen Keshi and Amodu Shaibu alongside first Edo FIFA-badge referee Friday Omoruyi and Austin Allens would be given post-humous awards.
Coaches Lawrence Akpokona, Dan Igiebor and Solomon Ogbeide are Outstanding Coaches of Our Time, while the 1985 U-17 World Cup winning Golden Eaglets were given the Evergreen Award.
Super Eagles forward Osaze Odemwingie scooped the Football Ambassador of Edobi State 2016 award.
The Award Committee headed by Percy Okojie submitted nominees on Friday.
