The Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has expressed dismay and sadness over the Death of a member of the “Dammam Miracle ” coaching crew, Kelechi Emetole after a protracted illness.

Reacting after the news filtered in from India where the late Emetole had gone for a surgery, Dalung expressed shock that despite the timely intervention of Nigerians to raise funds for his medicals , he still succumbed to the cold hands of death.

He seized the opportunity to commiserate with the family of the deceased, the Nigeria Football Federation and the entire football confraternity over this unfortunate incident.

“When we were still grappling with the reality of Lizzy Onyenwenwa’s death, we have lost another sports icon who was dear to many Nigerians.

“This is one death too many, but who are we to question God? All we can do as humans is to mourn the departed and accept the inevitability of death.”

Dalung reckoned that the former Heartland of Owerri and Supersand Eagles Coach was well loved by many after Nigerians came together to contribute their own quota to ensure his trip to India for advance treatment.

“I was impressed at how Nigerians home and abroad heeded the clarion call to donate their widows mite for the coach popularly known as ‘Caterpillar’. It was a testament to who he was and how much he was loved by all.

“If money and love were the main requirements to stay alive, Coach Kelechi Emetole would have still been alive today, but death is inevitable.”

He charged Nigerians to rally round the family of the departed in their moment of grief as he prayed for the soul of the departed to find perfect peace in the bossom of God.