Influential soccer boss lifeless as tributes paid to ‘nice loss’
Dr Ibrahim Galadima was known in Nigeria for his legacy in the development and organisation of football at both the grassroots and elite levels, during a peak period for football in the country
He was in charge during the glory years where some true Premier League legends starred
A major ex-footballing boss has died at the age of 78. Although not a household name to many in Europe, the Nigerian sporting community is mourning the death of Dr Ibrahim Galadima, the former chairman of the Nigerian Football Association.
Described by local media as “a towering figure in football administration”, Dr Galadima died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano. His younger brother, Alhaji Abba Galadima, confirmed the passing and announced that funeral prayers would take place on Sunday morning at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in the Kano metropolis.
Dr Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, was known in Nigeria for his legacy in the development and organisation of football at both the grassroots and elite levels.
During his tenure at the helm of the national football governing body between 2002 and 2006, he was instrumental in advancing the sport and enhancing Nigeria’s international representation – helped by key Premier League favourites such as Bolton star Jay-Jay Okocha, Arsenal legend Nwankwo Kanu, and Everton stars Yakubu and Joseph Yobo.
Tributes have poured in from across the country for the man widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian sports. Management, staff, players, and fans of Kano Pillars FC were among the first to express their grief, honouring his role as one of the club’s founding fathers who laid the solid foundation for its growth into a dominant sporting force.
In a heartfelt statement, the club’s Media and Communications Directorate extended condolences to his family, friends, the government, and the people of Kano State.
peaking on behalf of the club’s General Manager, Ahmed Musa, and Chairman, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, the statement read: “We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss.”
Beyond his national duties, Dr Galadima also served as the chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission.
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