The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of Ibrahim Galadima, the former president of the Nigeria Football Association (now the NFF), who died in Kano on Saturday at the age of 74.
The news was confirmed by former NFF General Secretary Sani Toro, who shared the announcement stating, “I regret to announce the death of our respected Alh Ibrahim Galadima, former NFA Chairman, today in Kano. May Allah reward him with Aljanna Firdausi.”
In an official response, the Nigeria Football Federation hailed Galadima as one of the country’s most esteemed sports administrators.
His tenure as NFA President from 2002 to 2006 was characterized by significant administrative reforms and Nigeria’s steady presence in global football.
Galadima’s extensive career included roles as Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, and First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
He also played a vital role in the Presidential Monitoring Committee for stadium development ahead of the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship hosted by Nigeria.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed profound grief over the loss, describing Galadima as a foundational mentor.
Gusau stated, “This is another one that hit us hard. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us who are in various leadership positions in Nigeria sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence and integrity. We will miss his fatherly advice and words of wisdom dearly. Our prayer is that the Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and grant the family he has left behind and the Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Born in Kano on June 14, 1951, Galadima’s legacy in public service was extensive. Beyond sports, he served as a Commissioner in Kano State for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, as well as Works, Housing, and Transport.
His career, which spanned from the late 1970s through the 2000s, solidified his position as a central figure in the institutional development of Nigerian sports.
The passing of Galadima marks a somber addition to a series of losses for Nigeria’s football family in 2026, which has already seen the deaths of prominent figures such as Henry Nwosu, Adegboye Onigbinde, and former Referees President Sani Zubairu.
Funeral arrangements are expected to follow shortly in accordance with Islamic rites.
