The left full back of Under 20 Flying Eagles team that represented Nigeria in Saudi ’89, Mike Onyemachara is dead.
He died on Friday, May 5 in his sleep in his hometown, Obinze, Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State.
His younger brother, Chris Osondu Ogbonnaya Onyemachara disclosed this in a Facebook post on Saturday 6th May 2023.
According to Chrislance, Mike had complained of weakness, the penultimate evening and decided to have some sleep but never woke up.
He further disclosed that the bereaved family would soon announce a date for his interment.
Chrislance wrote; “This is to officially announce the passing of our brother and son, Mike Nkeonye Onyemechara, MON.
“He died yesterday (Friday) evening in his sleep.
“He had complained of weakness and decided to have some sleep and didn’t wake up.
“This is a very devastating moment for the entire family and we wish to be allowed some time to mourn this heavy loss.”
Among the earliest to condole with the family, is a childhood friend of Mr. Chris Onyemachara, Hon. Deacon Chike Okafor, member representing Okigwe South Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, he wrote, in part, “Mike Onyemechara played for Iwuanyanwu Nationale FC now Heartland FC of Owerri.
He was a member of the Flying Eagles squad that represented Nigeria in the Under 20 World Cup in Saudi Arabia in 1989.
The team came from four goals down to defeat the then USSR, in the encounter that was dubbed MIRACLE OF DAMAN.”
The squad went ahead to win the silver in the tournament and on their return, the country awarded each member of the team the national honour of Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).