The remains of the late three-time Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association, Pa Philip Onuora Chikaodili Achebe, widely known as Mr. Football, would be laid to rest in his hometown, Ikenga Ogidi in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Friday.
According to a programme released by the family, there would be a wake-keep for the departed ace football administrator at his residence in Riverside Housing Estate, Abakpa Nike in Enugu on Wednesday, July 10, with a service of songs in his hometown, Ogbotu in Ikenga Ogidi, Anambra State the following day.
His body will lie in state at the family compound on Friday morning before burial service and interment at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Ogidi same day.
Popularly known as POC Achebe, the reverred football manager first held the reins as Secretary General of then NFA in 1971, replacing Tunji Fagbemi. He left the seat for Dan Enajekpo in 1973. He began a second term in 1975, again replacing Tunji Fagbemi. He left in 1976 for Numa Uzoh.
In 1991, he mounted the seat for a third term, replacing Momodu Kadiri, and left in 1992.
POC Achebe died in the United States of America on March 9, 2013 at the age of 83.
He is survived by Mrs Juliet Ikwoyen Achebe (wife, based in USA); Dr. Chikaodili Onyema (daughter, based in USA); Mrs Stella Okorie (daughter, based in Nigeria); Pharm. Lady Carol Onyiaorah (daughter, based in Nigeria); Mr. Onyebuchi Christopher Achebe (son, based in Nigeria); Pastor Ndubuisi Philip Achebe (son, based in Nigeria) and; Mr Victor Chizoba Achebe (son, based in Nigeria), as well as sons-in-law and daughters-in-law.
