Ex-international and former coach of the Super Falcons Godwin Izilein has died aged 81 in Benin, Edo State.
Izilein died on Wednesday after “battling abdominal issues,” according to a member of his family who spoke anonymously to PUNCH.
Izilein led the Super Falcons to their sixth Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in Johannesburg, South Africa, back in 2004.
He also coached local clubs NNB FC and Bendel Insurance, and the Golden Eaglet at the African U-17 Championship in 2005.
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Speaking on the development, media officer of Bendel Insurance Kehinde Osagiede said, “He died today (Wednesday) after a brief illness. He was a former Insurance coach who gave everything to discovering and nurturing football talents, both male and female, in Nigeria. The club (Insurance) is saddened by his death.”
In June 2023, he told PUNCH that money promised him after the Falcons won WAFCON title in 2004 had not been paid.
“Since 2004 that they have owed me, I have not heard from the NFF,” Izilein said.
“It’s a pity that I may not get the money again. It’s over 19 years that the NFF has yet to pay me the $12,000 and the N2 million promised me by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.”
