Sports

How Eagles Mysteriously Stuck Inside Accra Elevator In 1983 – Okoku

Published

4 years ago

March 29, 2022

Ex-international, Paul Okoku has recounted his experience playing against Ghana’s Black Stars almost four decades ago, saying they were stuck inside an elevator in Accra for hours ahead of their Los Angeles1984 Olympic Games qualifier against their West African archrivals.

Recalling the incident on Facebook, ahead of both sides’ Qatar 2022 World Cup final play-off second leg in Abuja, Okoku said “it was noteworthy to mention here the type of psychological warfare Ghana planned for us.”

The national team, then known as the Green Eagles and coached by Adegboye Onigbinde, put behind them the ordeal to beat the hosts 2-1 in Accra in October 1983 courtesy of goals from Chibuzor Ehilegbu and John Omughele, to advance to the next round, after the first leg ended goalless in Nigeria.

“When our team traveled to Accra for the match, upon our arrival at the hotel, our check-in was completed and our room keys handed to us. We got inside the elevator to take us to the floors where the rooms were located, and that is when horror struck,” Okoku stated on Facebook.

“For hours, we were stuck inside the elevator that mysteriously malfunctioned, stuck in between the floors, with half of the elevator on one floor and the other half on another floor—dangling. We were all petrified.

“I was stuck inside the elevator alongside my teammates then, which I can try to recall from my faded memory of the incident: Stephen Keshi, Peter Rufai, Yisa Shofoluwe, Humphrey Edobor and the chief coach Adegboyega Onigbinde. The terror went on for hours as perspiration engulfed us.

“We sat there waiting in fear which shortly yielded to our confusion and anger. We were assuredly within the weight limit specified on the elevator; was it intentional? Well, you can surmise your own opinion. Speaking candidly, your guess is as good as mine.”

PUNCH.

Related Topics:#Super Eagles Ex-international Paul Okoku

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Sports

EPL: Why I Won’t Stay One More Year At Man Utd – Casemiro

Published

11 hours ago

May 6, 2026

Editor

Manchester United midfielder, Casemiro, has explained why he won’t stay one more year at the club.

The 34-year-old is set to leave Old Trafford at the end of the current season.

The Brazilian, however, had been urged by the club’s fans to extend his contract by one more year due to his brilliant display for Michael Carrick’s side this term.

Speaking on the development, Casemiro told ESPN Brasil, “There is no chance [for me to stay one more year].

“It is leaving through the front door. It has been four wonderful years, and I am eternally grateful not only to the club but to the fans.

“I think it is over. The cycle has ended here. I am moving on to a new chapter in my career.”

Sports

EPL: Rooney Names Team To Win Title

Published

1 day ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

Former Manchester United striker, Wayne Rooney, has said Arsenal will go on to win the Premier League title, after Manchester City dropped points against Everton.

City were held to a 3-3 draw at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Monday night.

The result means Pep Guardiola’s men are now five points behind Arsenal, but they have one game in hand.

Rooney believes the Gunners will beat West Ham this weekend and go on to be champions.

He said on BBC Sport: “No, I’m concerned for West Ham. I just think Arsenal are efficient and professional.

“I just think they will win every game. So obviously, with the result tonight, that means they will win the league.”

Sports

UCL, EPL: Petr Cech Advises Chelsea On How To Win Trophies

Published

3 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Chelsea legend, Petr Cech, has advised his old club on how to win the UEFA Champions League or the English Premier League.

Chelsea are already out of the Premier League title race this season, and they are at risk of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification for next season because they are currently not in the ninth position on the Premier League table.

Speaking to The Athletic about Chelsea, Cech said that the Blues need to change their philosophy of signing only young players if they want to win the Premier League or Champions League.

According to the former goalkeeper, the Premier League west London club needs to add experienced players to mentor the young players in the squad.

“You have to look at what you want to achieve. You can have young, talented players, and you can win, but it’s very rare that you manage to do that,” he said.

“If you want to win every season and compete every season, that does not go together.

“You have to change your philosophy. Certain things don’t go together because, in order to win a Champions League or a Premier League… these are really tough competitions, and you have to be consistent.

“You need to have a strong core of the team. And then you can bring young, talented players who will grow faster and then will be held by the experienced players to help navigate them through difficult times when they come.”

Currently, Chelsea have just one player, Tosin Adarabioyo, who is over 28 this season, and the defender has not been playing regularly.