The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, says former Super Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe, who died on Tuesday was somebody who came before his time.

Mr. Dare, in a statement, said he was deeply shocked and sad to learn of Mr. Sofoluwe’s demise, especially as he died when help was on its way.

He died on Tuesday at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital at the age of 54.

“The news of Sofoluwe’s death is quite devastating, and one that hit me like a tornado. He was a great, committed, disciplined, humble, and patriotic player.

“He came ahead of his time. No wonder he was nicknamed `the Dean of Defence’ by ace commentator Ernest Okonkwo,” the minister said.

While expressing his condolences and prayers to the deceased’s wife, children, former teammates, and the football community, Dare noted that Sofoluwe died just when help was on the way for him.

“He died just when help was on the way for him to pay for his surgery. But his death is a huge loss. Rest in peace `Dean of Defence,’” the minister said.

Last week, the minister sent some undisclosed amount of money to one of Sofoluwe’s ex-teammates to pay part of his hospital bills.

Plans were also on to get the Lagos government to pay for his surgery.

Mr. Sofoluwe played for the Flying Eagles at the World Youth Championship in Mexico in 1983, alongside Tajudeen Disu, Femi, and Segun Olukanmi, Deinde Akinlotan, Dahiru Sadi, Ali Jeje, and Tarila Okorowanta.

His team also had Paul Okoku, Chibuzor Ehilegbu, Humphrey Edobor, Samson Siasia, Bala Ali, among others.

He went on to win 40 caps for the Super Eagles scoring one goal.

He turned out for the ITT Waves and Abiola Babes Football Club of Abeokuta at club level, both now defunct.

(NAN)