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It was a day of praise and accolades at St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka, Lagos State, as former Super Eagles stars Paul Okoku and Godwin Odiye returned to their alma mater to donate sports equipment and scholarships. The occasion was the school’s 60th inter-house sports, and the two former students were on hand to give back to the institution that nurtured their talents.

Okoku, who captained the Nigerian U21 team, expressed his gratitude to the school, saying, “This is the school that we were scouted to play for the national team. It is where we cut our teeth in soccer, and we are giving back in recognition of the good old times and to give youngsters the opportunity we had in our days.”

The two former internationals, who are now based in the United States, donated an undisclosed sum of money in scholarships to the school through the Old Boys Association. They also presented sports equipment, including Adidas jerseys, football boots, branded track suits, hoses, and shin guards, to the school football team.

The equipment was presented by Okoku’s brother, Friday, to the school administrator, Rev. Father Babalola Emmanuel, who was elated with the humanitarian gesture. “We are grateful for this great gesture of you two and pray that you will see God’s goodness,” he said.

The President of the Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys Association, Patrick Doyle, a veteran Nigerian actor, commended Okoku and Odiye for their generosity. “Paul Okoku was the vice captain of the Junior Eagles called the Flying Eagles. That team was the first team in Nigeria to play a FIFA-organized competition. He went on to play for the Super Eagles before he went to America to study, and he is still resident there to this day,” Doyle said.

Doyle also praised Odiye, describing him as “one of the greatest defenders on the continent and an old boy of this school.” He added, “These jerseys are going to be worn in the final of the Heritage Cup, and we are going to lift the cup wearing these jerseys donated by these gentlemen who were in this school many years ago.”

The head teacher of the school, Biyibi Victor, thanked Okoku and Odiye for their donation, saying it would motivate the school team and boost sports in the school. “It will go a long way to motivate the boys, being that these are old boys giving back to the school. And you know sports kits are very expensive now, so for them to do this is a very laudable experience for the boys,” Victor said.

The donation, according to Victor, will also enhance the school’s rich sports history. “As a school, we don’t push sports aside; we put sports and academics side-by-side, just because the founder, Reverend Father Slattery, was also a sportsman and he loved combining academics and sports,” he said.

The head teacher also revealed that Okoku and Odiye had informed him of their intention to donate to the school about a month ago. “About a month ago, they called me and told me that they would love to do that presentation. I said it would be too hidden if they came on an ordinary day. So I said they should come on the day of the inter-house sport; let the whole world know what they are donating to us, so that the publicity will shine on them, to show what they are giving back to their alma mater, which is a good thing to emulate,” he said.

Doyle, who presented the sports equipment on behalf of Okoku and Odiye, praised the two former students for their generosity. “This gesture that they have done shows that of a truth, and indeed, they are appreciative of what this school did to them and for them. I am particularly proud of Paul and Godwin because these are sporting legends, and they have found it fit to give back to St. Finbarr’s. I just boasted that we would be wearing the jersey they donated at the next final of the football competition in Lagos State,” he said.

The donation was met with applause and cheers from the students, teachers, and parents who were present at the event. Okoku and Odiye’s gesture was seen as a testament to the values of gratitude and giving back that are instilled in students at St. Finbarr’s College.

As the event came to a close, Rev. Father Babalola Emmanuel thanked Okoku and Odiye for their generosity, saying, “We are grateful for this great gesture of yours and pray that you will see God’s goodness.

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