Titus Okere, Nigeria’s oldest former international football player, passed suddenly at the age of 94, according to Soccernet.ng.
Okere passed away in Kent, England. He was a member of Nigeria’s first national team, the UK Tourists of 1949. His granddaughter, Frances Okere, told Sports Village Square about his passing.
Okere was educated at a number of different institutions, including St. Cyprian’s Anglican School in Port Harcourt, Kalabari National College, and Okrika Grammar School. He was born on March 22, 1929, in the Ngor Okpala local government in Owerri, Imo State.
In his youth, Okere displayed his talent with neighbourhood teams like Lagos Railways, which he captained to numerous triumphs and trophies in 1948, and Zik’s Athletic Club in Port Harcourt.
His outstanding exploits grabbed the attention of the national team selection committee, gaining him a place in the Nigerian squad representing the country at a period when independence had not yet been established.
The 1949 UK Tourists’ left-wing magician, Okere, was instrumental in the team’s victories over English amateur clubs and against Sierra Leone on the international stage, where he scored in a 2-0 victory.
After the 1949 tour, the British press praised Okere for his talent. Okere was praised for his speed and skill on the pitch by Edgar Kail of the UK’s Daily Graphic, who even suggested that his background made him a strong option for most European league teams.
By signing with Swindon Town in 1953, Okere established himself as the first citizen of Nigeria to play professional football outside of his country.
Timothy Okere
He left Nigeria in February 1953 and never came back. He made his home in Kent, which is about 61 kilometres from London, and led a tranquil life there.
The history of Nigerian football will always remember Titus Okere as a trailblazing football player who made great contributions to the game.
