Former Nigerian Goalkeeper Joseph Dosu Escapes Death in Lagos Accident
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Former Nigerian Goalkeeper Joseph Dosu Escapes Death in Lagos Accident
Former Nigerian footballer Joseph Dosu, best known as a key figure in Nigeria’s gold-winning team at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, narrowly escaped death in a road accident in Lagos. The incident occurred on Wednesday, October 2, and Dosu shared his harrowing experience via Facebook.
A Frightening Road Incident
In his social media post, Dosu thanked God for sparing his life, describing the chilling sequence of events at an Enyo filling station near the Ojodu Berger bus stop. According to his post, a fully loaded MACK truck, with registration number LND 470 XX, veered off the road and crashed into his car.
“To God be the glory, another death escape by Grace and Mercy of God… I and my friend SM were at Enyo filling station after Ojodu Berger bus stop, to get fuel… when this MACK TRUCK… left the road and crushed my car,” Dosu wrote.
This was not the first time Dosu had encountered a life-threatening situation on the road.
A Career Shattered by a Previous Car Accident
Dosu’s football career, once filled with promise, was cut short by a similar tragedy in 1997. At just 23 years old, after his success at the Olympics, Dosu signed with Italian Serie A club Reggiana. However, before he could make an impact on the European stage, a devastating car crash along Lagos’ Ikorodu Road left him with serious injuries, effectively ending his career.
In an interview with Vanguard newspaper, Dosu recounted the event that changed his life forever. “What happened was that just after we played against Kenya… I felt I should see my family… I was driving to see them along Ikorodu Road at about 8 p.m. I did not know how it happened, all I know was that the vehicle veered off the road, and I was seriously injured. I give God the glory that I am alive today despite being on crutches.”
A Promising Football Career Cut Short
Despite the heartbreak of his early retirement, Dosu remains one of Nigeria’s football heroes. His performances at the 1996 Olympics were crucial to Nigeria’s gold-medal victory, making him an unforgettable figure in the country’s sports history. He was the only home-based player to be selected as the first-choice goalkeeper for the national team during the Olympics.
After helping Nigeria win gold, Dosu’s career appeared to be on an upward trajectory. In 1996, he also contributed to Julius Berger’s FA Cup victory, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Katsina United. His international career was brief but impactful, featuring in three more matches for Nigeria. Among these were a 2-0 win against Burkina Faso in the 1996 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and a friendly against Morocco in December 1996, where he again kept a clean sheet.
Dosu’s final appearance for Nigeria came in a World Cup qualifier against Kenya in January 1997, shortly before the car accident that forced him into early retirement.
Continuing Contributions to Nigerian Football
Although his playing career ended early, Dosu remains active in Nigerian football. He now runs a football club named after himself, which recently competed in the 1XBET Cup. His passion for the sport continues to inspire young talents in Nigeria.
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