Nigerian Olympian, Patrick Bassey passes on @ 63

By George Aluo

Nigerian sports and weightlifting in particular lost another legend on Thursday with the demise of one of the nation’s Olympians Coach Patrick Bassey.

The Akwa Ibom state born weightlifting coach competed for Nigeria at the Los Angeles 1984 Olympics in the lightweight category where he came close to winning a medal.

Bassey who retired two years ago after serving as Head Coach at the Abia state sports council was Team Nigeria’s weightlifting coach at the London 2012 Olympics.

The 63-year old Bassey had equally led Nigeria to several other major competitions.

Lawrence Iquaibom, the director of Sports Akwa Ibom state who confirmed the sad news to newstap.com.ng described him as a great sportsman who would be missed by the nation’s weightlifting family.

“Bassey served the country with all his heart. His death is a big loss to Nigerian sports,” Iquaibom said.