Former defender Super Eagles Mike Nkeonye Onyemachara, who died on May 5, will be laid to rest on July 7 in his hometown, Umuanunu, Obinze, Imo State.
According to a statement by the family, football legends and professionals, fans, friends and well-wishers are expected at the burial.
The family has solicited support from Onyemachara’s former employers, clubs and football lovers to give the former Iwuanyanwu Nationale captain a befitting burial.
The statement signed by Onyemachara’s older brother, Johnson, reads: “As arrangements for the burial are being made, family members are also grappling with the challenge of completing a four bedroom bungalow project the deceased started a couple of years ago, but was unable to complete it.
“We need money to ensure the completion of the house before the burial, which has already been fixed for July 7, 2023.”
Onyemachara started his football career with Golden Guinea Breweries, Umuahia before moving to First Bank of Lagos, where he rose to become club captain. He left First Bank for ACB FC, also of Lagos, which he captained before moving to Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri, another club that made him skipper.
He came to international prominence in 1989 as a member of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles’ squad, known for the famous Dammam Miracle of Saudi ’89 FIFA U-20 World Cup tournament.
Onyemachara made his Super Eagles’ debut in a Senegal 1992 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ghana in Kumasi. He was also part of the Super Eagles’ team at the African qualifying matches of the USA ’94 FIFA World Cup.