Celestine who once played for Chelsea, is currently not in the country but is expected to return soon.

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Aside Celestine, Mrs. Iroka is also mother of former Nigerian goalkeeper, Emmanuel Babayaro who was part of Nigeria's 1996 Olympics gold medal winning team.

Emmanuel who is currently chairman of Kaduna revealed that his mum died in their hometown of Owerri, Imo State.

“She died died on Sunday at our hometown in Owerri, Imo State,” the former goalkeeper told .

“She died after a brief illness but we still thank God for her life. We will release information about her funeral plans.”

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) via Twitter sent out a condolence message to the family of the former footballers.

"Our thoughts are with the family of former @NGSuperEagles' players Celestine and Emmanuel Babayaro who lost their dear mother last night," the NFF wrote.