Coach of Nigeria’s first U-17 World Cup winners Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen dies at 85

Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen

Coach Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, who led the Golden Eaglets to their historic victory at the 1985 U-17 World Cup in China, has died aged 85.

Chairman of the Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) Task Force Harrison Jalla said Broderick-Imasuen died on Wednesday morning following an illness.

“Veteran Coach Sebastian Brodericks Imaseun, who won Nigeria’s first World Cup at the under-17 level, is no more. The coach, who has been bedridden for a long time, died in the early hours of this morning, according to family sources,” Jalla said.

Last year, Broderick-Imasuen’s son Chuka appealed to the public for support towards his father who had a stroke and diabetes.

Broderick-Imasuen represented Nigeria as a player at the 1968 Mexico Olympics.

His coaching career saw him lead the Golden Eaglets to two further World Cup appearances, reaching the final in 1987 before falling to the Soviet Union on penalties.

He also served as an assistant coach to Clemens Westerhof during the Super Eagles’ golden era.

On the local front, he coached clubs such as Udoji United, Bendel Insurance, and El Kanemi Warriors.