I once met a Congolese soccer fan in Pittsburgh, USA, who promptly asked me if the goalkeeper Emmanuel Okala is still alive.
I told him Okala is alive and thriving.
The old man promptly told me that Okala is the greatest ever goalkeeper that ever lived.
He talked of a match played in Brazzaville on July 13, 1975 between Congo and Nigeria in which the Nigerian striker (Sunny Oyarekhua) scored in the first minute.
According to the Congo man, the rest of the match was played inside the Nigerian penalty-box with the rampaging Congolese players peppering Okala with all kinds of shots.
Okala could not be beaten.
Nigeria won the match 1-0!
All hail the most legendary of goalkeepers, Emmanuel Oguejiofor Okala, as he marks his 74th birthday anniversary today!
( Uzor Maxim Uzoatu)