The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is in mourning over the death of Sebastien Brodericks-Imasuen, a former top coach of several League Clubs, passed away.

On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at the age of 85, Brodericks-Imasuen passed away in a private hospital in Benin, Edo State.

After leading the Nigeria U-16 squad to victory in the inaugural FIFA Cadet Championship in China in 1985, he gained international attention.

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The nation has lost an icon of youth and club coaching, according to NPFL Chairman Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, in response to rumours of his passing.

“Sebastien Brodericks-Imasuen was a Coach who made youth football popular in Nigeria and at some point in his career, he was one of those that heightened interest in the Professional Football League with a running rivalry with some other top club coaches like Willy Bazuaye, James Peters, Charles Bassey to mention a few.

“By his death, our country has lost an icon in the coaching echelon”, declared the NPFL Chairman.

On MatchDay 17 of the season this weekend, Elegbeleye ordered that players and officials of the NPFL wear black armbands in remembrance of the late coach, and that there would be a minute of quiet before kickoff.

In addition to his accomplishments on the global stage, El-Kanemi Warriors, Udoji United FC, and Bendel Insurance were all coached by the man affectionately known as Sabara.

Under his leadership, the Nigeria U16 team defeated West Germany 2-0 in the final at the Workers’ Stadium in Beijing to win the first-ever FIFA Cadet World Cup in China in 1985.

He guided the squad to second place in Canada two years later following a penalty shootout loss to the former Soviet Union.

Two years later, in Scotland, his side fell to eventual winners Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals due to penalties.