Chief Michael Okpala spent his hard earned millions on Sports infrastructure, choosing to invest in Onitsha, Anambra State, for starters. He watched while government killed his dream as Atani Road, base of his efforts was pathetically neglected.
Anytime I come across investments in the hospitality industry by our sports heroes, I kneel down in prayers for their sweat to yield dividends. Okpala, better known as Power Mike, was World Heavyweight wresting champion from 1973 until he quit in 1976.
The Power Mike Sports Centre was an out of this world facility when it was officially commissioned by Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, on May 12, 1990. Then Anambra State governor, Col Nnaemeka Akonobi, who was IBB’s course mate, was there as well.
Babangida was overwhelmed. “I note with considerable admiration that this is the first project of its kind and magnitude by a private individual, geared towards complementing government’s efforts at developing the much needed sporting infrastructure in the country,” he declared.
Equipped with the best of the best at the time, the Power Mike Sports Centre had three major units: Hotel, Health Club and Stadium. The hotel was as good as any standard facility anywhere in the world. The Health Club boasted of training equipment for athletes and the stadium was alluring enough for national league games.
There was patronage in the early days. At a time, Onitsha was home to two top football clubs, Udoji United and Jasper United. The former was the first Nigerian team to play in the CAF Champions League (1997), the latter got to the semi finals of the African Winners Cup in the same year.
And it came to pass that Atani Road was no longer motorable. Attention shifted to Rojenny Games Village, Oba, visible on the Onitsha – Owerri Highway. Power Mike Sports Centre gradually turned to a near museum.
I had the honour of being his guest in 1998. Power Mike took me round the Sports Centre, I could see tears in his eyes. Getting to the place was no easy task. The man and his business were completely cut off. I felt so bad that I insisted on paying for my stay, at his back. When he got wind of my action, the veteran wrestler felt even worse. He personally forced my money into my bag.
Here was someone, so patriotic that he did everything possible to promote sports in Nigeria. During the Civil War, Power Mike was trapped overseas. He became world champion in 1973, at the Nakivubo Stadium, Kampala after beating Ali Baba of Lebanon.
After the crisis, Power Mike made himself known at home. His fights were moved round the country, from Enugu to Benin and then to Lagos. Top fighters like John Tiger, Judd Harris, Joseph Kovacs, Giant Asmakis, Akous Mustapha, Power Jack, Lee Sharron, Johnny Kwango and Ali Baba, became popular faces.
By the time he quit, he was ready to do even more. The Power Mike International Promotions (PMIP) was born. Stars from the World Wrestling Federation(WWF) and the International Wrestling Association (IWA) flooded the country.
Mighty Igor, Mil Mascaras, Ray Appolon, Argentina Appolo, Bulldog Brower, Randy Morse, Carlos Colon, Cicion Negro, Thunderbolt Williams, Yasu Fuji, they entertained as much as they fought. Mighty Igor even did a mock show with Kano State governor, Abubakar Rimi.
For the first time at home, women wrestlers showed their stuff. British Nigerian, Bella Ogunlana lost to Rusty Blair, the European champion.
Power Mike also promoted boxing. He actually began as a Middle weight boxer in Onitsha fighting on the stable of Dick Tiger Boxing Club. In 1986, he staged the Dick Tiger Boxing Championship in Lagos. President Babangida was there with his son, Mohammed.
IBB was also a boxer in Ibadan. His teacher, Abraham Tonica. Dick Tiger’s wife, Mrs. Abigail Ihetu, was so excited that her husband was not forgotten.
Power Mike was honoured by President Shehu Shagari in 1982, President Kenneth Kaunda crowned him Greatest Sportsman of Zambia in 1968, President Jomo Kenyatta tagged him African Pillar of Sports in 1971 and Marshal Idi Amin voted him Best Citizen of Uganda, in 1973.
At home much later, the global hero was a sad man. His main source of livelihood in Onitsha could not be accessed. He built another one in Abuja, as frustration set in.
I am thrilled to read that Vincent Enyeama’s Vinpy Hotels, Uyo is booming. Nwankwo Kanu tried with Hardley Apartments in Lagos. Dr. Rafiu Ladipo’s Dipson Hotel, home of Papilo and the Golden Eaglets on the way to Under 17 World Cup glory in 1993, is no more visible.
Power Mike loved to stay at Kilo Hotels, Surulere and Stadium Hotel, owned by Highlife maestro, Victor Olaiya. On a certain morning, I was there with the two great men and the world champion took me to banter with Shina Peters. I always thought of the life that was denied Power Mike Sports Centre. In March 2004, the power man departed, at 64.
