Dr. Osarieme Bazuaye, a former player for the defunct ECN of Lagos, looks back on his time with the club with nostalgia. He fondly remembers his teammates such as the late Paul Hamilton, Tunde Disu, Sebastian Brodrick, and Muyiwa Oshode. Bazuaye, also known as Sam Baz, shares his insights on his sporting journey, the current state of Nigerian sports, and his Sports Foundation, which will be launched on his 80th birthday at the Ikeja Golf Club. The foundation aims to revitalize sports in the country through a tournament played in Bazuaye’s honor.
Bazuaye’s interest in sports began at a young age when he witnessed his father, Pa Benjamin Omorogbe Bazuaye, playing cricket against the Europeans. Inspired by his father, Bazuaye became an avid cricketer and even sponsored cricket competitions. He also excelled in football and represented his school teams at St. Michael Anglican Primary School in Kaduna and CMS Grammar School in Lagos.
After completing his education at CMS Grammar School, Bazuaye joined Electric City of Nigeria (ECN) and played alongside renowned players like Paul Hamilton, Sebastain Brodrick, Inuwa Lawal (aka Rigogo), and Amusa Shittu. Despite his talent, Bazuaye’s football career did not reach its full potential due to his father’s disapproval. At that time, football was not seen as a viable career path, and Bazuaye was pushed to pursue academic professions.
However, Bazuaye’s passion for sports never waned. As he celebrates his 80th birthday, he plans to establish a sports foundation at his alma mater, Edo College Benin. Recognizing the financial limitations of the government, Bazuaye believes that sports and education can go hand in hand. He highlights the lucrative nature of sports and the potential for athletes to earn millions of dollars. Bazuaye hopes to provide sports equipment and support to develop budding talents at Edo College.
To ensure the foundation’s longevity, a committee comprising members of the old boys association will oversee its management and ensure the funds are used appropriately. Bazuaye emphasizes the importance of having proper sporting facilities in schools to identify and nurture potential athletes, a concept he experienced firsthand during his school days. He laments Nigeria’s poor performance at the recent Olympic Games and blames the lack of basic grassroots programs for the decline in sports development. Bazuaye asserts that reviving regional government involvement in sports is crucial to building a strong sporting culture and fostering unity in the country.
Bazuaye sees sports as a valuable source of friendship and networking opportunities both within Nigeria and internationally. It has also contributed to his overall well-being and health. Although he only discovered his passion for golf later in life, Bazuaye expresses the profound impact it has had on him. As part of his 80th birthday celebrations, a golf tournament will be held in his honor at the Ikeja Golf Club, with a portion of the proceeds going towards his Sports Foundation.