Two of Nigeria’s legends refused to get involved in a protracted conflict between European nations
Nigerian football legends Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu have admitted to missing out on a tribute to the late football icon Ilya Vladimirovich Tsimbalal, Soccernet.ng reports.
Cimbalal played in both Ukraine (3 appearances) and Russia (28 appearances) during his career and was known for his technical prowess as a midfielder. Tragically, he passed away on December 28, 2013 at the age of 44.
The memorial game organized to mark the 10th anniversary of Chimbalal’s death has sparked concerns as it appears to take on a political dimension in the ongoing hostilities between Russia and Ukraine.
Russian media reports said that world-famous football stars, including Nigerian icons Talibo West, Kanu and Okocha, were invited to the event.
However, Chimbaral’s widow and son have voiced strong objections, calling the game “blasphemous”.
They cite Russian military operations in Odessa, Chimbaral’s birthplace and burial place, as the main reason for their opposition.
Ukrainian news portal Tribune has investigated Russia’s claims that Okocha, Kanu, Talibo and others are in the game.
After the call, Okocha admitted his absence, emphasizing, “No, that’s not true.”
Mr Kanu also confirmed through his representative that he will not be attending.
At the moment, there are no indications that Talibo West, Fernando Meira, Emmanuel Adebayor or any other invited player will participate in the anniversary match.
Former Belarusian Arsenal winger Aleksandr Khleb expressed disappointment at the politicization of the match and stressed that he would have liked to have watched the match if it had been apolitical.
Hleb emphasized his admiration for Chimbaral as a footballer, stating:
“I think many people in Belarus and Russia really respect and appreciate Ilya Chimbalal as a footballer.”
“He’s very talented, so many people grew up watching him play as a role model.” I stared at him. I was happy; my first step was to see him. I have a soccer player that I remember from my childhood. Ilya Cimbalal is one of them. “
It is worth noting that Austin Okocha recently made a lasting impression on the crowd when he displayed his football skills alongside Ronaldinho and other friends in a charity match.
