A TRIBUTE TO ALHAJI ALIYU YUNUSA (COACH Mc A)
A Father. A Teacher. A Mentor. A Legend.
It is with deep shock and profound sadness that we receive the news of the passing of Alhaji Aliyu Yunusa, fondly known to all as Coach Mc A. A man whose life touched generations. A teacher whose lessons shaped destinies. A coach whose passion gave Idoma land some of its finest stars. A leader whose humility built bridges of peace across tribe, religion, and class.
A MAN OF SPORT – A LEGEND AMONG LEGENDS
Coach Mc A was not just a football coach; he was the heartbeat of grassroots football in Otukpo.
As one of the founding fathers of the iconic Lucky Star Football Club, he dedicated decades of his life to building, nurturing, and mentoring young talents.
His contribution to football remains etched in gold:
- He produced a Super Eagles player, Anthony Ujah, who rose from Otukpo’s dusty pitches to international glory.
- He mentored countless Premier League stars, inspiring hope and opportunity for youths who believed football could change their lives.
He carried the spirit of sportsmanship with dignity, and until his passing, he was a proud and prominent figure under the prestigious Idoma Sports Legends (ISL) — a body championing unity, discipline, and the celebration of sports men and women across Idoma land.
ISL will forever remember him as one of its brightest lights. His contributions strengthened the foundation upon which the next generation of athletes will stand.
A TEACHER OF INTEGRITY
Beyond football, he was a trained and dedicated teacher whose influence shaped thousands of students.
From Islamiyya Primary School to homes across Otukpo, Coach Mc A created an environment where learning was joyful, discipline was respected, and every child believed they could achieve greatness.
For many of us, testing our English proficiency with Coach was a rite of passage — and he made it fun, inspiring, and unforgettable.
A SOCIOCULTURAL BRIDGE BUILDER
His home was more than a house — it was a haven.
A gathering point for youths from every tribe, culture, and religion. A place where children felt safe, where conversations flowed freely, and where peace was nurtured.
Coach Mc A’s simplicity and tolerance made him a symbol of unity in Otukpo.
His life taught us that community is built by love, patience, and an open door.
A DEVOTED RELIGIOUS FIGURE
His dedication to the progress of Islam in Idoma land was unwavering.
As a respected member of the Benue State Hajj Commission Board, he played a key role in supporting members of the Muslim community on their spiritual journeys.
A LOSS BEYOND WORDS
Coach Mc A will be deeply missed — by the young and old, by footballers and students, by teachers and clerics, and by the entire Idoma nation. His mentorship, perseverance, humility, and unwavering love for the youth have left footprints that can never be erased.
He lived for others.
He served with passion.
He led with humility.
IDOMA SPORTS LEGENDS (ISL) SALUTES A HERO
As a proud member of Idoma Sports Legends, Coach Mc A embodied everything the body stands for:
- Service
- Discipline
- Leadership
- Mentorship
- Community development
His passing is a reminder that all sports men and women across Idoma land should unite under the ISL umbrella to preserve our sporting heritage, inspire future champions, and uphold the values he lived for.
Today, we lift our voices to say:
UP COACH!
Rest in peace, Legend of Idoma Sports.
Your legacy will endure through every child you taught, every player you nurtured, and the Idoma Sports Legends you proudly represented.