His name is Rabiu Ali. His nickname is Pele. His favourite jersey No. is 10. He was born on September 27, 1980.
At 44, he is still waxing strong. He is running faster than players 20 years younger than him. His shots go faster than players younger than him.
His skills get better as he ages. His ball control is excellent. His passes are precise and sharper. He jumps higher, tackles harder and covers grounds during counterattacks with immense pace.
He is a one club player. All his career as a professional, it has been Kano Pillars FC. He has featured in 271 games for the club and has scored 71 goals. He is not done yet. He is not ready to stop. He is eager to create more records.
He has played 18 games for Super Eagles scoring five goals despite operating as a midfielder. Many forwards of the team who have played more games didn’t score up to five goals before they retired.
In some climes, this man will be honoured in a most distinguish manner. I recall stating in one of my pieces here that certain players deserve special recognition in our football for the outstanding feat they achieved.
Such players include Nwankwo Kanu, Nigeria’s most decorated player, Victor Ezeji the most decorated domestic player in Nigeria football, Vincent Enyeama, Nigeria’s most outstanding goalkeeper, Tarila Okoronwanta, scorer of Nigeria’s first World Cup goal at any level, Late Rashidi Yekini who scored Nigeria’s first World Cup goal at senior level, Late Stephen Keshi, Nigeria’s most successful indigenous coach, Late Titus Okere, the first Nigerian player to play professional football overseas and Late Patrick Okpomo, who was arguably Nigeria’s most outstanding scribe of the Football House among others.
I sincerely think, Rabiu Ali deserves honour for his longevity in the domestic league and for hanging on despite approaching 50. He scored in Kano Pillars last two fixtures and surely there’s no stopping Pele.
How do we honour him? I thought the NFF should have a Hall of Fame where players like him and the names mentioned above can be inscribed or their statues kept in a sort of Exhibition Centre which could equally serve like a tourist place for our football. That’s a topic for another day.
To honour him the organizers of NPFL could fix an exhibition game between NPFL Top Stars (selected players) taking on League legends like Davinson Owumi, Victor Ezeji, Ishaya Jatau and Tony Nwaigwe among others.
The game could be played in Kano to attract crowd. The money generated from gate takings could be handed over to him (no matter how small) and a plaque of meritorious service to Nigeria Football equally presented to.
One of the major benefits of this game will be to encourage other players like him especially the younger generation to be committed to the game and ensure they reach the zenith of their careers.
Thumbs-up Pele. Keep raising the bars. You’re a legend!!!
© DESMOND EKWUEME
