Governor Charles Soludo congratulates the popular football legend, Emmanuel Okala, an illustrious son of Anambra State, on the occasion of his 74th birthday on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
According to the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Christian Aburime, Soludo recalled that Emmanuel Okala, born in the historic town of Onitsha, rose to national and continental prominence through his brilliant exploits as the towering goalkeeper of the Nigerian national football team between 1972 and 1980.
The governor stated that Okala’s dedication, discipline, and excellence between the goalposts earned him the coveted title of Nigerian Footballer of the Year in 1978 and a prominent place in the squad that clinched Nigeria’s first-ever African Cup of Nations title in 1980.
While emphasising that Anambra is a land blessed with heroes and legends, Governor Soludo extolled Emmanuel Okala as a towering symbol of the state’s sporting pride and the country’s football heritage.
In light of this, the governor felicitates Okala and prays that God grants him continued good health, long life, and personal fulfillment.
