Victor Omoregie

Victor Omoregie was born in Benin City, Nigeria on March 31st, 1956. The first of 16 children, he lived in a large house surrounded by his parents and many relatives. At the age of 3, he was taken in by his grandmother. Soon after, he began primary school at St. Angela’s Catholic School. From a young age, Victor had always had an affinity for sports, and it became very clear that football (soccer) was where he shined the most. It was at Edokpolor Grammar School, as a young teenager, that others noticed his skill as well. Victor showed exceptional talent as a goal-keeper, leading his school’s team to victory time and again, and becoming highly decorated as a star player in the process.

It did not take very long for local teams to take interest in Victor. During the 1970s, he played for Ayu Salam Rocks of Illouri in Kawara State and continued to showcase his talents on the field. His determination to become the best goal-keeper could be seen at every match he played. His amazing athletic ability and tenacity made it nearly impossible for teams to score against him. This earned him the name “Omo Trouble” which became well-known across Nigeria. Where ever he went, Victor’s reputation preceded him and even caught the attention of the governor of Bendel State (now Edo State). After a grueling match between Ayu Salam Rocks and Bendel State Insurance, in which Victor refused to let them score even a single point, the governor requested a meeting with Victor. Upon recognizing Victor’s last name as one of his own kinsmen, the governor invited him to play for Bendel State. Victor was proud to represent his hometown team as their official goal-keeper, attracting fans, both new and old, from across Africa to see him play. In 1978, Victor aided Bendel Insurance in securing the championship at Nigerian National Challenge Cup in Lagos Stadium, receiving gold medals alongside his teammates. He was even invited to represent the nation as a goal-keeper for the Nigerian Green Eagles, but declined, choosing instead to continue his education in the United States.

Before then, in 1979, Victor would be introduced to the love of his life, Adesuwa, through his younger sister, Doreen. After seeing her for the first time, he begged his sister to introduce her to him. Eventually, the two met, becoming fast friends, and eventually falling in love. They began to plan their lives together, looking forward to a bright future. Ever the hard worker, Victor decided to emigrate to the United States for university, promising to return to Nigeria to marry his lady love. He touched down in El Paso, Texas later that year and attended El Paso Community College while living with his older cousin, Francis. After completing two semesters in El Paso, he moved to Houston, Texas to attend Texas Southern University and was taken in by another one of his older cousins, Solomon. Naturally, he was drafted onto the school’s football team as a goal-keeper, earning himself several MVP awards along the way. He played hard and studied even harder, graduating with a Bachelors in Business Administration.

In 1988, Victor returned to Nigeria, and as promised, married Adesuwa. The pair immigrated to Houston in 1990 and began to settle into their new lives in America. The pair raised a small family of 3 children and cemented themselves into their community. Even as an American citizen, Victor never forgot his roots, finding his place in the Bini Club of Houston, where he loyally served for over 30 years. He was elected to various executive positions, such as social secretary, treasurer, and public relations officer. Regardless of the occupation he had or the position he held, Victor did his best to give 100%. He received many awards, promotions, and certificates of appreciation from his employers.

Though he was used to receiving physical recognition, Victor knew that it was more important to be recognized by God. He faithfully served as a church elder at Alpha & Omega International Ministry of Faith for more than 10 years, taking on many responsibilities and becoming a pillar that others could depend on. Victor found fulfillment in working for the Lord, often putting others before himself. He was well-loved and much respected for his calm and warm personality, integrity, and devotion to his family. It gave him great joy to give his best for his church, knowing that he was storing up the greatest of treasures in Heaven. Victor was an integral part of many church ministries, including the King’s Men, the Problem-Solving Committee, the Transportation Department, the Education Department, the Security Team, the Deacon Board, and the Ministers Board. He never shied away from hard work, offering his best where it was required and always while sporting his trademark sunglasses.

Victor is survived by his wife, Adesuwa; his children, Bryant, Rosemary, and Timothy; his daughter-in-law Chelsey, and grandchildren, Caydence and Christian.