Bazuaye, Atlanta ’96 winning coach, passes on at 78

Atlanta ’96 U-23 gold medal winning coach, Willy Bazuaye, is dead.

He died on Monday at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City aged 78.

One of the last public appearances of the legendary coach, who assisted Dutch technical adviser Bonfrere Jo at Atlanta ’96, was on the celebrity segment of the ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire’ television game show in 2011.

The special edition of the programme was designed to recognise and reward forgotten heroes and heroines who have contributed positively to the growth and development of the country.

Despite looking frail and emaciated, Bazuaye brought humour and fun to the programme while also proving his mental alertness with his knowledge and recollection of global affairs. He was 75 at the time.

Bazuaye smiled home with one million naira after using two lifelines to crack the question: ‘Which of these is the highest falls in Africa?’ [A]Victoria Falls [B] Thomson Falls [C] Tugela Falls.

The aged coach and his fellow contestants ran to the audience and Victoria Falls was chosen.

They were sceptical and the wise Willy rejected the answer and opted for a 50-50 chance.

With the elimination of two incorrect answers, Bazuaye and crew narrowed it down to Tugela Falls and yes, they were spot on!

Bazuaye is best remembered for winning gold with the Dream Team comprising Nwankwo Kanu, Sunday Oliseh et al at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

But who remembered he disengaged from the Nigeria Police Force after 19 years of meritorious service to face the football world?

Who remembered he attended a number of courses, including the famous Aldershot coaching course?

Who remembered he won laurels with New Nigerian Bank of Benin?

Sometime in 2003, Bazuaye was struck by a strange ailment that left him partially paralysed.

He never fully recovered and he died immobile.