Tributes as ex-Nigeria athlete Okagbare mourns late father
Former Nigerian track and field athlete Blessing Okagbare announced the death of his father on Monday.
The Olympic medallist announced his father’s death on X on Monday night while expressing sadness.
She wrote: “Rest well, my father. I am still trying to make peace with it, but I know you’re now with the good Lord.
“You are one of the best men I know, and I never took your gentleness, fatherly love, and wisdom for granted. RIP PA Francis Miller Okagbare.”
Meanwhile, Okagbare’s followers on X commiserated with her while praying for strength for her family.
Saviour of Milan wrote: “My deepest condolences on the passing of your beloved father, Pa Francis Miller Okagbare.
“May God grant you and your entire family the strength and comfort to bear this painful loss. May the beautiful memories of his gentleness, wisdom, and fatherly love continue to live on in.”
Justice wrote: “May his soul rest in perfect peace. Stay strong at this trying time the people’s champ. Our prayers are with you.”
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God’s child wrote: “Ahh, may Daddy’s soul rest in peace. Thank you for producing one of the joy we’ve ever experienced in this country. Accept my condolences my 001.”
Okagbare was the African 100m and long jump champion in 2010. She has also won medals at the All-Africa Games, IAAF Continental Cup and World Relays.
She is currently serving a 10-year ban backdated to July 2021 by the Athletics Integrity Unit based on presence and use of multiple banned substances.
The 37-year-old represented Nigeria at the 2016 and 2020 Olympic games.
