The late Gambian football legend Biri Biri has been granted a posthumous award as he was laid to rest on Wednesday after a state funeral.

Alhagie Momodou Njie commonly known as Biri Biri was given the award for his great achievements in football and his contributions to the country’s football development.

Biri Biri died on Sunday at the age of 72 in the Senegalese capital Dakar after a short illness.

His death was mourned both locally and internationally among which includes his former Spanish club Sevila.

Thousands of Gambians including President Adama Barrow and top Islamic and Christian leaders as well as the football community on Wednesday gathered at the Arch 22 in Banjul to pay their last respect to the football legend at a state funeral.

In his tribute speech, President Adama Barrow said: “In recognition of his selfless service to The Gambia and humanity in general coupled with his gearing effort in development of football in the country-Alhagie Modou Njie alias Biri-Biri, is awarded insignia of the commander of the order of the Republic of The Gambia, GRC, posthumous.”

Reporting by Adama Makasuba