January 03, (THEWILL) – Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, the acclaimed Nigerian football coach, who led the country’s under-17 national team to victory in the inaugural 1985 FIFA U17 World Cup, has died at the age of 85. Broderick-Imasuen had been receiving medical care at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for over a year after being diagnosed with ischemic stroke in December 2022.
Broderick-Imasuen first made his mark as a player with the ECN Football Club of Lagos between 1962-1970, winning a national Challenge Cup title in 1965. He later represented Nigeria at the 1968 Olympics. As a coach, he guided the Mid-Western under-13 side to a gold medal at the 1973 National Sports Festival, foretelling later achievements.
His magnum opus came in 1985 when he took charge of the Nigerian U17 national squad for the first-ever FIFA U17 World Championship in China. With Broderick-Imasuen as their chief coach, the team overcame all odds to clinch the trophy – Nigeria’s first global football honour.
Beyond his World Cup heroics, Broderick-Imasuen also served as assistant coach to the senior national side during Clemens Westerhof’s successful spell. At club level, he managed several Nigerian teams including Bendel Insurance and El Kanemi Warriors. Up until falling terminally ill, he continued imparting his wisdom and experience to the next generation.
As the Nigerian football community mourns, Broderick-Imasuen’s legacy as both a pioneer and virtuoso tactician who helped put Nigerian football on the global map will live on. The “Chief Coach” will always be remembered as a true legend of the game.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
