Former Technical Director, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Tunde Disu, on Tuesday recalled moments with presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Election.
He described him as a sports philanthropist without a rival.
Disu made the assertion in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) while reflecting on the late philanthropist’s gesture in supporting sports in Nigeria.
“When my father died, he came to our house regardless of the environment we were staying in Ikate-Itire, he didn’t care whether it is a ghetto or slum.
“He also sponsored my brother Taju Disu to the U.S. to go and further his studies when he was playing for his club, Abiola Babes.
“MKO Abiola sponsored my brother’s marriage ceremony and did not do this to my brother alone but to all and sundry that came across him during his life time.
“MKO was a great sportsman. Abiola was awarded the best philanthropist in Africa and the world at large.
“He sent me for courses in Germany and Brazil when I was with the Nigerian Football Association (NFA). He had soft spot for sportsmen and women.
“He said to me that “as a wealthy man, if I should give him one naira he would take it that I have shown appreciation because I use to give wall decorations anytime I am coming from abroad for my courses,’’ he said.
Disu said that the late great sports philanthropist promised him a brand new car if they emerged winners at the Saudi Arabia 1989 after the Miracle of Daman.
“After we came out of the Damann Miracle, Abiola promised to give me a brand new car but unfortunately, we lost.
“MKO Abiola and Gen. Sani Abacha then brought an empty plane to pick the team from Saudi Arabia. It was incredible. They were sent by the Head of State then, General Babangida.
“On our way back to Nigeria, I went to meet him on his seat. Gen. Abacha was seating on the other side. I greeted both of them and MKO asked me to seat beside him.
“I guess he knew what I came to meet him for when I kept looking at him in anticipation for him to say something. And he said to me, `I know what you came for Super Coach.
“Abiola told me to go and price a Tokunbo car and at that juncture, I did not know what he meant by Tokunbo car. I just kept looking at him.
“Later, he said, my son and I said Sir, and he said do I know that he has 250 businesses and when he gets anywhere in the world he picks his money. That is a lesson for all of us”.
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