The former Nigerian Super Eagles midfielder, John Ene Okon has passed on. He played for Nigeria at the 1987 Fifa U-20 World Cup and the 1992 African Cup of Nations
Okon, who was born on March 15, 1969, dies on his 47th birthday in Calabar.
Until his death, he was the coach of Calabar Rovers.
The football community has reacted in sadness to the his passing with many describing him as humble.
A former Eagles teammate, Etim Esin posted a tribute Okon on Facebook.
What a sad news, my teamates, John okon ene passed on today, calabar Rovers, Chile 87, super eagles, God knows best, RIP
Posted by Etim John Esin on Tuesday, 15 March 2016
Emeka Ezeogu referred to the late player as a great midfielder: “Rest in Peace, soldier. May God rest his soul. Great midfielder. 1992 Nations’ Cup, Senegal. We’re gonna miss you, son. So long, soldier,” he wrote
Imama Amapakabo, coach of Enugu Rangers FC extolled Okon saying he has lost a good friend. “Good friends we’ve had good friends we’ve lost, good times we’ve had good times we’ve shared together along the way, in this great I can’t forget the past.
“My tears run endless ever since the news broke to me early hours of this morning. We shared so many times and moments together, pained and heart-broken I am, but what is the answer to the question I ask and want to ask ‘why you,why now’? Who do I question man or the good lord?
“Pained as I am all glory to God for the times we shared together.
Meanwhile, photos of his corpse are published, in bad taste, by some online blogs.
