WILFRED AGBONAVBARE LAID TO REST IN SPAN...STADIUM GATE NAMED AFTER HIM

 Spanish club Rayo Vallecano have immortalised late Nigeria goalkeeper Wilfred Agbonavbare by naming a gate at their stadium after him. Agbonavbare died in Spain on Tuesday after he lost a battle with cancer.

 Wilfred Agbonavbare was a Flying Eagles member to Mexico ’83 U20 World Cup, played for Rayo Vallecano from 1990 to 1996 at the prime of his professional career. He earned the club record as the goalkeeper to have made most Premier Division appearances for Rayo at 76 times.

According to El Rayo Vallecano website, reports that after the extraordinary meeting held on Wednesday by the board of directors, it was agreed that the Nigerian be so honoured.

The report read, “The Board of Directors of the Club has decided unanimously to keep alive the memory of Wilfred and therefore will call the Gate 1 Vallecas Stadium, Gate Wilfred Agbonavbare.”The club managers also thanked everyone who showed love towards Agbonavbare while he battled cancer on behalf of the late goalkeeper’s family. The directors said that they were touched by “the countless signs of affection that have been coming to club on a sad day for everyone.”

Apart from starring for the Flying Eagles, Wilfred was also a member of the Nigeria team which won the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia and also with USA ‘94 World Cup squad.

The former New Nigeria Bank of Benin goalkeeper was buried in Spain on Thursday with Rayo Vallecano president, his children, Wilson and Wintia,   other dignitaries in attendance.

culled from punch

RIP Wilfred