Farewell to a Champion: Death claims Golden Eaglets’ U17 World Cup-winning coach

Nigeria are the most successful nation in the history of the cadet World Cup, with five titles, the first of which was won in 1985

Sebastian Broderick-Imasuen, the celebrated coach who led the Golden Eaglets to victory in the inaugural FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1985, has succumbed to the battle against stroke, Soccernet.ng reports.

Broderick-Imasuen passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2023.

Born on July 9, 1938, Sebastian Imasuen Broderick's journey in football began as a player with the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria Football Club of Lagos (ECN FC) from 1962 to 1970.

His achievements included a national Challenge Cup triumph in 1965 and representation in the 1968 Nigeria Olympic team. 

Transitioning from the field to coaching, Broderick attended various coaching courses.

In 1973, he guided the Mid-Western U-13 team to a Gold medal in Lagos's first National Sports Festival, foreshadowing his future success.

The pinnacle of Broderick-Imasuen's coaching career came in 1985, when he assumed the role of chief coach for the national U16 team at the Kodak-FIFA U16 World Youth Championship in China.

Under his guidance, the team emerged victorious, securing the trophy for Nigeria and Africa with a 2-0 triumph over West Germany in the final.

His influence extended to the Super Eagles, where he served as an assistant coach during Clemens Westerhof's tenure as the Technical Adviser.

Broderick-Imasuen's coaching legacy also touched clubs such as Bendel Insurance, El Kanemi Warriors, and Udoji United.

Struggling with illness for an extended period, Broderick-Imasuen received treatment at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital until his passing.

The football community mourns the loss of a distinguished figure who left an indelible mark on the sport.