This month’s edition of the O’jez Soccer Fans’ Nite Out billed to hold on Saturday, June 28, is dedicated to two fallen national soccer heroes; both former coaches of the Nigerian Super Eagles, Stephen Keshi and Shaibu Amodu. The event will take place at the open air section of O’jez celebrity restaurant, National Stadium Complex, Surulere, Lagos, by 7pm.
The O’jez Soccer Fans’ Nite – a night of music, comedy, awards and dance – is designed to create a platform for brands to have a close contact with soccer fans, showcase the activities of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), international football as well as promote peace, love and unity.
It is a forum designed also to appreciate, honour and celebrate Nigerian ex-internationals, active ones, sports media personalities, corporate firms and entertainers for their contributions to the growth and development of football and entertainment in Nigeria. The maiden edition that held on May 28, 2016 attracted over 1,000 people. It was dedicated to former Super Eagles goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai (Dodo Mayana); sports journalist and Group MD, Complete Communications, Mumuni Alao; and renowned comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka who all received the O’jez Lifetime Achievements Award.
Even in the midst of mourning two great coaches of Nigeria’s senior national team, the organisers will also present the O’jez Lifetime Achievements Awards to former striker of the Super Eagles, Henry Nwosu, as well as veteran sports journalist and marketer, Dudu Orumen.
Veteran sports journalist, Effiong Nyong, one of the coordinators of the monthly event, said the choice of Nwosu and Orumen was perfect “just like last month’s combination of Peter Rufai, Mumuni Alao and Gbenga Adeyinka. I must say that last month’s event, which was the maiden edition, was a huge success not only in the area of attendance alone, but with the quality of the show. We will however improve on that success this month and in consequent editions.”
Highlife musician and co-coordinator of the event, Peterson Agu, promised a night of glamour, music, comedy and dance.
“As the person handling the entertainment aspect of the O’jez Soccer Fans Nite Out, I promise you that it will be a night to remember, expectedly, because we have top class comedians such as Elder O, MC Phrymzo and ATM, among other acts lined up to thrill you. There will be plenty music and dance. Just put on your favourite club jersey or buy one from any of our ushers right there.”
Keshi died on June 7 and Amodu joined him on June 11. Keshi however was also former captain of the Eagles and his long playing career witnessed a string of successes in the nation’s national team side.