The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has joined soccer-loving Nigerians to grief over the demise of ex-Super Eagles assistant coach, Kelechi Emeteole.
Emeteole passed away in the early hours of Wednesday in India, where he was being treated for throat cancer.
The NFF took to its official Twitter handle to sympathise with his bereaved family and friends.
Our thoughts are with the family & friends of ex-int’l & former Beach soccer head coach Kelechi Emeteole, following his demise #RIPEmeteolepic.twitter.com/WmZ90Hy0Pj
— The NFF ?? (@thenff) June 21, 2017
Emeteole played for the Super Eagles at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ethiopia before swapping the pitch for the dugout.
As a coach, he predominantly served as an assistant in the national team fold.
However, he managed several top teams in the country including Enyimba, Enugu Rangers and most recently, Heartland.
No wonder fans were left stunned about his death.
They call him Coach Caterpillar, Kelechi Emetole is no more.
The former Heartland, Rangers and Enyimba coach died in India. RIP! pic.twitter.com/43LF0IgCKV
— POOJA… (@PoojaMedia) June 21, 2017
This saddens my heart.. Former @HeartlandFC_ng & @RangersIntFC coach,Kelechi Emetole has died during treatment in India. RIP The Caterpillar
— Kelechi Nkoro (@K1Says) June 21, 2017
Respected Nigerian coach Kelechi Emetole is dead , the coach died after battling throat cancer for over 2 years. #Emetole #RIP pic.twitter.com/nTXFxXsC34
— Sports Radio BrilaFM (@889BrilaFM) June 21, 2017
Sad to hear that former Heartland, Rangers and Enyimba coach Kelechi ‘Caterpillar’ Emetole has died while battling cancer of the throat. pic.twitter.com/KjwPbLZCY8
— My Case Is Different (@EmekaDennar) June 21, 2017
R.I.P Kelechi Emetole.
Former Heartland, Rangers and Enyimba coach. The Caterpillar is gone#FanAntics pic.twitter.com/IxSQbUewfy
— Fan Antics (@FanAnticsFC) June 21, 2017
RIP to former Heartland FC coach, Kelechi Emetole – The Caterpillar.
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) June 21, 2017
‘RIP Caterpillar’
Ex-#Nigeria international & coach, Kelechi Emetole has died in India. Managed Eastern giants Enugu Rangers & Heartland.? pic.twitter.com/yNMMQ4SJyY
— Oluwashina Okeleji (@oluwashina) June 21, 2017
Former Heartland coach and Nigeria international, Kelechi Emetole is dead….. He passed on early hour of the day in India
— ALESH OWOLABI (@owosports1) June 21, 2017
Sad to hear about the demise of Kelechi Emetole. May his soul RIP.
— Stephen Emmanuel (@Emmysteve9) June 21, 2017
Breaking! Former @HeartlandFC_ng and @RangersIntFC gaffer Kelechi Emetole passes on during treatment in India
— solomon Onu (@hotsolo27) June 21, 2017
