Members of the NDDC All-Stars team pose with the late Albert Horsfall's daughter, Soibi Godwin-Clark; the NDDC Director, Corporate Affairs Department, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama; and members of the late Horsfall’s family during a novelty match at Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt.
The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has honoured its pioneer predecessor, the late Chairman of the Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission, OMPADEC, Chief Albert Horsfall, with a novelty football match in recognition of his contributions to the development of the Niger Delta region and his passion for sports.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, by the Director of Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.
According to the statement, the novelty match was played by the NDDC All-Stars team at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, bringing together members of the late Horsfall's family and friends to celebrate his life, legacy and love for football.
Mrs Thompson-Wakama stated that the kick-off was performed by the late Horsfall's daughter, Mrs Soibi Godwin-Clark, and the NDDC Director of Corporate Affairs.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the son of the late statesman, Mr Sekuropribo Horsfall, described the match as a fitting tribute to his father, who had a deep passion for sports, particularly football.
"It is really an honour to have this friendly match in honour of my late father. He loved sports, especially football. If he were alive, he would have really loved the idea of this football game," he said.
He expressed the family's gratitude to the NDDC for its support during their period of grief, noting that the gesture demonstrated the Commission's appreciation of his father's contributions as the pioneer chairman of OMPADEC, the precursor to the NDDC.
Also speaking, Mrs Godwin-Clark recalled her father's enduring passion for football, noting that he continued to play the game with his grandchildren even at the age of 70.
She said she was happy the match was organised in his honour, especially as his grandsons featured in the friendly game.
"I thank the NDDC. They have been very gracious in putting together this team," she said.
Godwin-Clark noted that her father's legacy extended beyond sports to his commitment to developing the Niger Delta, recalling that he commissioned more than 170 projects during his tenure at OMPADEC and helped many sons and daughters of the region secure important positions.
She further disclosed that through the Horsfall Foundation, about 60 persons received educational sponsorship up to master's degree level, in addition to his support for widows and orphans.
In his remarks, Godwin Clark Obaro, grandson of the late Chief Horsfall, expressed delight at participating in the match organised in honour of his grandfather.
