The Nigeria Football Federation has been thrown into mourning following the death of former football administrator Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away at the age of 74.
Galadima, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most respected sports administrators, served as President of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) from 2002 to 2006, leaving behind a legacy of leadership and service across multiple levels of the nation’s sports sector.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau described the late Galadima as a mentor and a pillar of integrity in Nigerian football.
“This is another one that hit us hard. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us in leadership positions in Nigerian sports.
He embodied dignity, diligence, and integrity,” Gusau said, adding that his wisdom and guidance would be sorely missed.
Born on June 14, 1951, in Kano, Galadima dedicated his life to sports administration.
He held several key roles, including Chairman of the Kano State Football Association, Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council, and First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
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He also served in government as Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, and later as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in Kano State.
Galadima played a significant role in national sports development, including serving on the Presidential Monitoring Committee for stadia projects ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championship initially slated for Nigeria in 1995.
When the country eventually hosted the tournament in 1999, he chaired the Kano sub-committee.
His passing marks the loss of a key figure in Nigeria’s football history, with tributes pouring in from across the sporting community.
