By Milcah Tanimu

Sebastine Brodericks-Imasuen, the esteemed coach who led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the inaugural U-17 World Cup in 1985, has passed away at the age of 85. Brodericks-Imasuen had been on life support at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for over a year, having been diagnosed with Ischemic stroke in December 2022. Despite receiving treatment, he succumbed to his health challenges.

During his remarkable career, Brodericks-Imasuen represented Nigeria at the Mexico Olympic Games in 1968, where he notably scored a decisive goal from a free kick, securing the Challenge Cup for Bendel Insurance in 1972. As a coach, he played a pivotal role in guiding the 1985 Golden Eaglets to triumph in China, marking Nigeria’s victory in the U-17 World Cup.

In addition to his coaching achievements, Brodericks-Imasuen served as an assistant to Clemens Westerhof in the Super Eagles, contributing significantly to Nigerian football. His death, confirmed by family sources, followed months of being bedridden due to stroke and diabetes. The football community mourns the loss of a coaching icon who left an indelible mark on the sport in Nigeria.