Rangers International and members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State chapter, have paid tribute to the late Norbert Okolie, the club’s former media officer and a past chairman of the association.
The football community came together during a novelty match between Rangers management team and SWAN Enugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The game ended 1–0 in favour of the Rangers management side.
Fondly known as Onye Photo, Okolie was widely respected for his contributions to football administration and sports journalism in Enugu State.
Speaking after the match, Rangers International general manager Amobi Ezeaku said the late media officer remained spiritually connected to the football family.
“So I believe that today, in the past 19 minutes, he watched us from heaven, he enjoyed this game, he enjoyed the cordiality, he enjoyed the brotherhood and he knows that wherever he is, there is an umbilical cord that ties us with him,” Ezeaku said.
Late Norbet Okolie alongside Rangers GM Barr Amobi Ezeaku. Photo Credit:X
“Wherever land he has gone to, we will continue to relate. He is a saint in football.”
Ezeaku said Okolie’s influence extended beyond his official duties.
“If we have the powers to canonise him, we will canonise him because he has attained sainthood in football and now he operates from another realm, a realm of higher wisdom, a realm of higher intellect, a realm of deeper spirituality,” he said.
“If you know Norbert while he was here, you will understand that over there, he will attain even more glory.”
The match’s only goal proved decisive, although SWAN Enugu had two goals ruled out. Ezeaku said the moment carried symbolic meaning for Okolie’s family.
“That goal is dedicated to the soul of Norbert. That goal is dedicated to the consolation of his young family,” he said.
“I can see the wife, I can see the daughter as well and close families who came to commiserate with him.”
Late Norbet Okolie at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Rivers State. Photo Credit: Rangers Media/X
Rangers technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu was present on the sidelines, alongside former Super Eagles winger and Africa Cup of Nations winner Ejike Uzoenyi.
Speaking on behalf of SWAN Enugu, the association’s chairman Gideon Iwueke described Okolie as a committed figure in the growth of sports in the state.
“This man gave his best to the development of sports and the promotion of sports in Enugu State,” Okeke said.
“Unfortunately, we lost him.”
Iwueke praised Rangers and SWAN members for honouring the late media officer through the novelty match.
“Today, Rangers played against SWAN in Enugu State in a novelty match,” he said.
“I want to commend Rangers management and SWAN members for coming out to honour this fallen hero.”
Enugu Swan members. Photo Credit: Udoh/Facebook
He said the tribute reflected the unity of the sports community, even though Okolie was not alive to witness it.
“This is what we should do for ourselves,” Iwueke said.
“Unfortunately, Norbert is not here to witness this, but I know that wherever he is, he enjoyed what we did today.”
The SWAN Enugu chairman also called on the wider sports community to support Okolie’s family.
“We are calling on all Enugu sports lovers to rally around the family and give them the necessary support,” he said.
“We must ensure that his demise does not create a big gap, especially in sports development in Enugu State.”
He added that Okolie’s legacy should inspire continued progress.
“We pray that his soul continues to rest in peace,” Iwueke said.
Swan members alongside the wife and children of Late Norbet Okolie after the match in Enugu. Photo Credit: Udoh/Facebook
“We also pray that Enugu sports will continue growing and that people with such commitment will continue to emerge.”
Funeral arrangements
The Okolie family had earlier released burial arrangements for the late media officer, who died at the age of 53.
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A vigil Mass will be held on Monday, 27 January 2025, at Maria Assumpta Parish, Achara Layout, Enugu, followed by a wake at his residence.
Photo Credit: Okolie/Facebook
Another wake is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 January 2026, at his hometown of Amankwo Odume, Enyimba-Amoli, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
On Thursday, 30 January 2026, his body will depart the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre for lying-in-state at his hometown, with interment to follow immediately.
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A thanksgiving Mass will take place on Saturday, 1 February 2026, at SS Mark and Matthew Parish, Amoli.
REST IN POWER MO…..
