SWAN, Rangers Pay Tribute to Late Norbert Okolie

The Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State chapter and Rangers International and on Saturday paid tribute to the late Norbert Okolie, past chairman of the association and the club’s former media officer
The football community came together during a novelty match between Rangers management team and SWAN Enugu at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu. The game ended 1–0 in favour of the Rangers management side.
Fondly known as Onye Photo, Okolie was widely respected for his contributions to football administration and sports journalism in Enugu State.
Speaking after the match, Rangers International General Manager Barr Amobi Ezeaku said the late media officer remained spiritually connected to the football family.
“I believe that today, in the past 90 minutes, he watched us from heaven, he enjoyed this game, he enjoyed the cordiality, he enjoyed the brotherhood and he knows that wherever he is, there is an umbilical cord that ties us with him,” Ezeaku said.
“Wherever land he has gone to, we will continue to relate. He is a saint in football. If we have the powers to canonise him, we will canonise him because he has attained sainthood in football and now he operates from another realm, a realm of higher wisdom, a realm of higher intellect, a realm of deeper spirituality,” he said.
The match was decided via a lone goal by the GM although SWAN Enugu had two goals ruled out. Ezeaku said the moment carried symbolic meaning for Okolie’s family.
“That goal is dedicated to the soul of Norbert. That goal is dedicated to the consolation of his young family,” he said.
“I can see the wife, I can see the daughter as well and close families who came to commiserate with him.”
Late Norbet Okolie at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt Rivers State. Photo Credit: Rangers Media/X
Rangers technical adviser Fidelis Ilechukwu was present on the sidelines, alongside former Super Eagles winger and Africa Cup of Nations winner Ejike Uzoenyi.
Speaking on behalf of SWAN Enugu, the association’s chairman Gideon Iwueke describd Okolie as a committed figure in the growth of sports in the state.
“Norbert gave his best to the development of sports and the promotion of sports in Enugu State. As a former chairman of our association, he left fond memories. Unfortunately, we lost him.”
Iwueke praised Rangers and SWAN members for honouring the late media officer through the novelty match.
“Today, Rangers played against SWAN in Enugu State in a novelty match. I want to commend Rangers management and SWAN members for coming out to honour this fallen hero.”
He said the tribute reflected the unity of the sports community, even though Okolie was not alive to witness it.
“This is what we should do for ourselves. Unfortunately, Norbert is not here to witness this, but I know that wherever he is, he enjoyed what we did today.” Iwueke said
The SWAN Enugu chairman also called on the wider sports community to support Okolie’s family.
“We are calling on all Enugu sports lovers to rally around the family and give them the necessary support,” he said.
“We must ensure that his demise does not create a big gap, especially in sports development in Enugu State. We pray that his soul continues to rest in peace.
The Okolie family had earlier released burial arrangements for the late media officer, who died at the age of 53.
A vigil Mass will be held on Monday, 27 January 2025, at Maria Assumpta Parish, Achara Layout, Enugu, followed by a wake at his residence.
Another wake is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 January 2026, at his hometown of Amankwo Odume, Enyimba-Amoli, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
On Thursday, 30 January 2026, his body will depart the Eastern Nigeria Medical Centre for lying-in-state at his hometown, with interment to follow immediately.
Swan members alongside the wife and children of Late Norbet Okolie after the match in Enugu. Photo Credit: Udoh/Facebook