A 1984 AFCON silver medalist and a member of Nigeria’s first team to qualify for a FIFA championship, Paul Okoku, has been honoured by the Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association (SFCOBA).
The recognition was announced by Nollywood veteran actor Patrick Doyle, who serves as the president of SFCOBA.
Okoku, during his school days, was a key player for Saint Finbarr’s College, Akoka, which was one of the leading forces in Lagos school football.
Okoku’s class of Flying Eagles made history as the first Nigerian team to qualify for a FIFA championship, the 1983 World Youth Championship (now known as the U-20 World Cup) held in Mexico. They were also the first Nigerian team to win a match at a FIFA tournament, defeating the then-Soviet Union 1-0.
The association presented Okoku with the Distinguished Conquerors’ (DC) Award for his contributions to Nigerian sports and for uplifting the reputation of his alma mater. The award ceremony took place in Arlington, Virginia, United States, as part of a broader celebration of Okoku’s lasting impact and commitment to the institution and its community.
Doyle travelled from Nigeria to attend the event, which also served as an opportunity for association members to raise funds to support scholarships, building renovations, and other projects at Saint Finbarr’s College.
The inscription on the award plaque read, “The Conquerors. Distinguished Conqueror Award presented to Paul Lucky Okoku, in recognition of your benevolence and outstanding support for the development and transformation of Saint Finbarr’s College Akoka, Lagos and raising the profile and effectiveness of SFCOBA.”
In addition to this latest honour, Okoku received a certificate of recognition in 2019, presented by Nathaniel Ogedegbe, President of the Saint Finbarr’s College Old Boys’ Association North America (SFCOBA). This recognition acknowledged Paul Okoku as one of the founding members of SFCOBA North America, highlighting his role in fostering unity and driving development among alumni.
SFCOBA North America continues to thrive today, embodying the legacy of Saint Finbarr’s College by promoting solidarity among its members and spearheading initiatives that support the institution’s growth and development.
