Odegbami,Owolabi,Adepoju,ithers set to honour Otubusin ‘Slow Poison’ @80
Nigeria’s football legends including Segun Odegbami, Dr. Felix Owolabi, Mutiu Adepoju and others will gather at Olubadan Stadium on Thursday, August 7, 2025 to celebrate defensive icon Idowu ‘Slow Poison’ Otubusen’s 80th birthday in a star-studded novelty match.
The historic encounter between Soccer Ambassadors and Ibadan Football Legends (kickoff 4:00 PM) honors the man whose tactical genius defined Nigeria’s golden football era. Organized by a committee of legends including Barrister Rotimi Ali, Mr. Sesan Odukoya, Dr. Salami, Mutiu Adepoju, Dr Felix Owolabi and Boluwaji Ogunmola, the event promises a nostalgic reunion of the nation’s football royalty.
Otubusen’s legendary 1976 performance – playing through a broken finger to help IICC Shooting Stars defeat Roger Milla’s Tonnerre Kalala for Nigeria’s first continental trophy – remains etched in football history. His calm but deadly defensive mastery earned him the iconic Slow Poison’ nickname.
From kicking felele’ rubber balls in Lagos streets to continental glory, Otubusen’s journey embodies Nigerian football’s golden age. He was instrumental in the Green Eagles’ 1976 AFCON bronze campaign, terrorizing strikers with his intelligent positioning and composure.
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Beyond his playing days, Otubusen mentored generations, imparting his tactical wisdom and discipline. At 80, he remains a respected figure, with his influence spanning across players, coaches and administrators.
“This is more than a match – it’s a tribute to the man who wrote the defender’s manual for Nigerian football,” said Dr. Felix Owolabi, an ex-international and organizing committee member.
The celebration will feature tributes, career highlights exhibitions, and post-match festivities, offering fans a rare glimpse into Nigeria’s rich football heritage.
