NIGERIAN football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 78.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Galadima, one of the country’s most respected sports administrators, led the then Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation) between 2002 and 2006, a period that left a lasting imprint on the domestic game and its governance structures.
Tributes have poured in from across the football community, with current NFF president Ibrahim Gusau describing his death as a major blow to Nigerian sports.
Gusau said Galadima served as a mentor to many administrators and was widely admired for his integrity and leadership.
“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,”Gusau said.
“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 on June 14, 1948 in Kano, Galadima’s life was deeply rooted in sports administration and public service.
He previously served 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 held roles in government, including commissioner for social welfare, youth and sports, and later commissioner for works, housing and transport in Kano State.
Former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager Ahmed Musa paid an emotional tribute, describing Galadima as a father figure and founding influence at the club.
“Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji’Un. It is with a heavy heart that I announce and extend my deepest condolences to the entire Nigerian football community on the passing of former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima. Alhaji Galadima was more than just a football administrator; he was a father figure, a mentor and a pillar of the game in Nigeria,” Musa wrote on X.
“His contributions to football, both at the national level as NFA Chairman and at the state level as former Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission have left a lasting legacy that will never be forgotten.”
He added that Galadima’s influence was central to the growth of Kano Pillars and the development of young players.
“As the founding father of our dear club, Kano Pillars FC, his vision and dedication helped shape the identity and success of this great institution we all cherish today,” he added.
“On a personal note, his guidance and commitment to the development of young talents and the growth of the game inspired many of us who have had the privilege to represent Nigeria and Kano with pride.”
“His wisdom and leadership will be deeply missed, not just in Kano, but across the entire football family,” he added.
NPFL side Barau FC also issued a statement mourning his passing, confirming he died after a prolonged illness. The club highlighted his extensive administrative career and involvement in national sports development committees and FIFA youth tournament preparations.
“On behalf of the management, staff, officials, players, and fans of Barau FC, led by General Manager Dominic Iorfa, we mourn the passing of former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima,” the club said.
The statement added that his contributions to football administration at both state and national levels would remain part of Nigeria’s sporting history.
Veteran sports journalists also reacted on social media platform X, reflecting on Galadima’s tenure and legacy in Nigerian football administration.
Ralph George recalled the controversy surrounding Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2006 World Cup and how Galadima came under intense criticism at the time, ultimately leading to his removal in 2006.
He explained that Galadima faced backlash after making comments on World Cup qualification expectations, before summarising his tenure and noting his eventual exit from office.
Oluwashina Okeleji highlighted Galadima’s appointment as NFA chairman in 2002 and his exit in 2006, while noting that he was not linked to corruption allegations or financial misconduct during or after his tenure.
He described him as a rare example among former football administrators in Nigeria, summarising his record in office and reputation for transparency.
“Axed in 2006, Galadima is the only former top football official not to be involved in anti-graft investigation or accused of mismanaging funds,” he said.
Osasu Obayiuwana described Galadima as a close friend and expressed deep personal grief over his passing, praising him as one of the “good ones” in Nigerian football administration.
“My dear friend, the former Nigeria Football Association chairman Ibrahim Galadima, died in Kano, Nigeria on Saturday. We were very close. I am really hit hard by this. May God grant him eternal rest. Ah! Alhaji was one of the good ones,” he said.