Governor Sim Fubara consoling Sinclair family members after the song service in Port Harcourt
The Rivers State government is set to immortalise Monday Sinclair, the legendary coach who rocked the Nigerian football landscape.
Governor Sim Fubara on Thursday, October 30, 2025, assured that the state government will take concrete steps to immortalize the memory of the revered former Super Eagles coach who died at the age of 89.
Gov Fubara gave this assurance at a service of songs held in honor of the late football icon at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road, Port Harcourt.
Speaking to the crowd of family members, sports lovers and dignitaries, the Governor described the late Sinclair as a man of great wisdom and dedication who he said made indelible contributions to football development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Gov Fubara commended the late coach for his legacy of service, discipline, humility and mentorship which, according to him, inspired generations of football players across Nigeria.
Gov Fubara said, “It would be unfair and not complete if the state does not join such a programme, knowing what role Sinclair played in Rivers State in terms of football. He was our coach at one time.”
The Governor further assured that the Rivers State Government will take deliberate steps to ensure the legacy of the late coach.
He declared, “On behalf of the state and as a friend of the family, I assure you that wherever we need to come to immortalize the memory of this great man in the state, we will do so.”
The Governor said that his attendance at the event was motivated by both friendship and duty. He took some time to console the bereaved family and urged them to find comfort in faith by embracing unity.
“The number of people who are here to console you cannot fill this void. The only person who can fill this void is God. While we are sad that he is gone, we should also be happy that he has gone to be with God. This is a place of comfort, where there is no insecurity, no need for a bulletproof car or the gate of your flat.”
Governor Fubara also used the occasion to preach unity and peace, stressing that only peace has made it possible for his administration to continue its transformational work for the people of Rivers State.
Sinclair is credited with taking football to another level in Nigeria. A source said: “He is a great football tactician who is credited with discovering players like Richard Ovubokiri, Benji Nziakor, Peter 'Jaja' Rufai, Finidi George, Taribo West.”
He is best known for his achievements as a player in the 1960s and later for his work as a coach leading up to the Super Eagles. He coached several clubs in Nigeria and once in Equatorial Guinea.
