According to the NFF, Erico’s death was confirmed by family
sources who said “the flamboyant trainer of trainers and respected nurturer of
talents complained of body pain and was treated for malaria, only to be found
dead in his bed at dawn on Thursday.”
Born Joseph Bassey Eric in the Odukpani local government
area, Cross River State, Erico belonged to the cast of the very best
goalkeepers in the history of Nigeria’s senior team, and served at the same
period as the revered Emmanuel Okala and Eyo Essien, the NFF said.
He made his debut for then Green Eagles in an Africa Cup of
Nations qualifying match against Zambia in Lagos in July 1973 (which Nigeria
won 3-2), and then kept goal in all of Nigeria’s six matches at the 1976 Africa
Cup of Nations in Ethiopia, where the Eagles finished third – the first time
Nigeria would win a medal at the AFCON.
Erico was also in goal in all of Nigeria’s pre-tournament
friendlies against Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania just before the team flew to
Ethiopia.
“It is another sad day for Nigerian Football. Erico was
among the very best of Nigeria’s international goalkeepers and also served the
country with fervour and diligence as Assistant Coach of the Super Eagles
between 2001 and 2002. He will be sorely missed. We pray that Almighty God
grant him eternal rest and also grant his family and loved ones the fortitude
to bear the big loss,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said in
Abuja.
Nicknamed ‘Jogo Bonito’(Beautiful Game) for his preference
for fluency and expression in the rhythm of play of his teams as a coach, Erico
was part of the triumvirate (alongside late Amodu Shaibu and late Stephen
Keshi) who were shooed in to do a rescue job for Nigeria as the ship to the
2002 FIFA World Cup finals tottered badly under Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere.
With three matches left in the campaign and a must-win
mandate for all, the trio got the job done and qualified Nigeria for
Korea/Japan.
They also led the team to a bronze-medal finish at the 2002
Africa Cup of Nations finals in Mali early 2002.
With his death on Thursday morning, it means all members of
that historic triumvirate have now passed on, the NFF noted.