Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association honours former national team player, Paul Okoku

Paul Okoku, a 1984 AFCON silver medal winner and a member of Nigeria’s first team that ever qualified for a FIFA championship has been honoured by Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA).

In his school days, he also featured for Saint Finbarr’s College which was one of the powerhouses of school football in Lagos.

The conferment of honour was announced by a Nollywood veteran actor, Patrick Doyle who is the president of the St. Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA).

Okoku, whose class of Flying Eagles was the first Nigerian team to qualify for a FIFA championship, the then World Youth Championship (now U-20 World Cup) in Mexico, in 1983.

The team was also the first Nigeria side to win a match at a FIFA event when they shocked the then-Soviet Union 1-0.

Okoku was bestowed with the Distinguished Conquerors’ (DC) Award for his contribution to Nigerian sports generally and also for elevating the name of his alma mater.

The event took place in Arlington, Virginia, United States of America, celebrating Okoku’s enduring legacy and commitment to the institution, association and community.

Doyle flew in from Nigeria for the occasion which served as a platform for the association members to raise funds for the support of Finbarr’s scholarships, buildings, renovations and other projects.

“The Conquerors. Distinguished Conqueror Award presented to Paul Lucky Okoku, in recognition of your benevolence and outstanding support for the development and transformation of Saint Fibarr’s College Akoka, Lagos and raising the profile and effectiveness of SFCOBA,” the award plaque read.

Paul Okoku was not only a celebrated ex-international footballer and philanthropist but was also honoured with a certificate of recognition in 2019, presented by Nathaniel Ogedegbe, the President of the St. Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association North America (SFCOBA).

This recognition acknowledged Okoku as one of the founding members of SFCOBA North America, a testament to his role in fostering unity and development among alumni.

Today, SFCOBA North America continues to flourish, honouring the legacy of St. Finbarr’s College by fostering unity among its members and spearheading impactful initiatives to support the institution’s growth and development.