FOOTBALL ICONS UNITE IN IBADAN TO CELEBRATE 'SLOW POISON' OTUBUSEN AT 80
By Oluseyi Adedire
Twitter/Instagram: @oyosportsnews
FB: Oyo Sports Update
Some of Nigeria’s most revered football legends including Segun Odegbami, Dr. Felix Owolabi, and Mutiu Adepoju will gather at the Olubadan Stadium on Thursday, August 7, 2025, for a special novelty match in honour of Idowu Otubusen, fondly known as "Slow Poison," as he celebrates his 80th birthday.
The celebratory match, which kicks off at 4:00 PM, will see Soccer Ambassadors take on Ibadan Football Legends in a nostalgic clash that pays tribute to one of Nigeria's most iconic defenders. The event is spearheaded by a committee of football greats including Barrister Rotimi Ali, Mr. Sesan Odukoya, Dr. Salami, Mutiu Adepoju, Dr. Felix Owolabi, and Boluwaji Ogunmola.
Otubusen’s legacy was sealed in 1976 when he bravely played through a broken finger to help IICC Shooting Stars defeat Roger Milla’s Tonnerre Kalala, securing Nigeria’s first continental club trophy. His calm, intelligent defending earned him the nickname "Slow Poison," a testament to his quiet but lethal effectiveness on the pitch.
From humble beginnings playing “felele” balls on Lagos streets to achieving continental glory, Otubusen’s career is a vivid chapter in Nigeria’s football history. He was a key figure in the Green Eagles’ bronze-medal campaign at the 1976 AFCON, known for frustrating attackers with his impeccable positioning and poise.
Beyond his playing years, Otubusen became a mentor to generations of players and coaches, leaving an indelible mark on Nigerian football through his tactical insight and leadership.
“This is more than just a match, it’s a tribute to a man who helped define defensive football in Nigeria,” said Dr. Felix Owolabi, former international and event organizer.
The celebration will include career retrospectives, tributes from peers, and post-match festivities, offering fans and football lovers a rare chance to reconnect with the golden era of the Nigerian game.
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