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The Soca Warriors were thrown into mourning on the eve of their international friendly match against Barbados after the sudden passing of 19-year-old former Holy Name Convent student Nikela John, who was the daughter of Trinidad and Tobago National Senior Team assistant coach Stern John.
Nikela died yesterday at her Cunupia home owing, according to a TTFA Media release, to medical causes still to be determined.
(Courtesy TTFA Media)
The 40-year-old John, who is Trinidad and Tobago’s all-time record goal scorer, was on his way to a National Team practice session at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva when he received a call that his daughter was unwell. He was excused from national duty and rushed to her Cunupia home.
Nikela, who was born in Trinidad but spent much of her childhood with her father when he played professionally in England with a host of clubs including Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Birmingham City, Coventry City and Nottingham Forest, was pronounced dead later that evening.
Warriors head coach Dennis Lawrence offered condolences to his colleague and former World Cup 2006 teammate, who is not expected to be on the bench tonight when Trinidad and Tobago face Barbados from 7pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium.
“We want to extend our condolences to Stern and his family and also let him know that we have him in our thoughts and we share in this time of grief with him,” said Lawrence. “We know that no amount of words can really help to ease the pain he is bearing but we we pray that the comfort of God helps him and his family through this difficult time.
“Stern is one of us and we will give him the time and support he needs right now and welcome him back at the appropriate time.”
(Courtesy Sean Morrison/Wired868)
Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) president David John-Williams also offered words of comfort to John.
“My thoughts and prayers are with Stern today,” John-Williams told the TTFA Media. “This is indeed a difficult time for him and his family as well as our TTFA family. As president, I will like to urge Stern to stay strong.
“Words are difficult to find at this time to say to him. We ask for God’s blessings upon him at this time and may she rest in peace.”
John is also an assistant coach at Pro League champions, Central FC, where his son, Tyrik, plays as a striker. The club has expressed sorrow at the loss of both employees.
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This is so sad i dont know how he can cope with this pain and hurt,i pray to mighty God to touch him right now,bless him heavenly father bring peace to his heart,surround him with love,strenghten him right now in the name of jesus used him in a mighty way amen.
May the Almighty give him and his family strength at this time.
David Cato….
My prayers and thoughts go out to your family. It is so cliche, but may God give you the peace which passes all understanding.
Wayz
RIP beautiful girl
My condolences
Condolence To the family….Stern be strong my brother
Condolences to Stern and his family and may she R. I. P…
sincere and deep condolcences
Too sad
Please accept my condolences in this time of grief, Stern John. This is truly an unfortunate turn of events for you and I hope that throughout your grieving process you can take solace in the fact that she is now in a better place. May her soul rest in eternal peace, my brother.
Condolences to Stern and his family. May God give them the strength to get through this.
Condolences my friend may God give you the strength to comfort your family
Hopefully there will be a moment’s silence for Nikela and for Abiela Adams tonight.
Oh Jeez ….. condolences to you and your family 🙁
Beyond heartbreaking…. Stern and the family needs everyone’s support.
My condolences to the family.
My condolences, sorry to hear
My Heartfelt Condolences go out to the John Family on the passing of Nikela. May she rest in eternal peace.
Extremely sad and my deepest condolences to Stern, Tyrik and their family.
Sincerest condolences to Stern John and his family!!!
My condolences to the family. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
Heartbreaking
Stern , my condolences
It’s a terrible thing to outlive your children. My condolences to the family.
Slim Sign did you see this?
Condolences to you and your family bro…May God keep his blessings upon you’ll at this tough time…
Heartbreaking..
Sad indeed
God works in mysterious ways, we have to remember. So I think it is appropriate for me to say to Stern, on behalf of all the members of the Wired868 family, that our prayers are with him in his time of bereavement and that he should strive to look beyond the dark clouds although it seems well nigh impossible for him to see at this time a silver lining.