Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Galadima passed away on Saturday at the age of 74.
Galadima, one of the country’s most recognized sports administrators, commanded the Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation) from 2002 to 2006, a period that had a long-lasting impact on the domestic game and its governance systems.
Tributes have flooded in from throughout the football community, with current NFF president Ibrahim Gusau calling his passing a big setback for Nigerian sports.
Gusau stated that Galadima was a mentor to many administrators and was generally respected for his ethics 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 Nigerian 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 Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Galadima, who was born on June 14, 1951, in Kano, has a strong background in sports administration and public service.
He previously held positions as head 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 served in government, first as commissioner of social welfare, youth, and sports, and then as commissioner of works, housing, and transportation in Kano State.
Former Super Eagles captain and Kano Pillars general manager Ahmed Musa gave an emotional tribute, describing Galadima as a father figure and founding member of the team.
“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 also stated 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.
