Ex-NFA Boss Ibrahim Galadima Dies at 75

Nigeria’s sports community has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday after a prolonged illness. He was 75.

The death of the veteran sports administrator was confirmed by former NFA Secretary-General, Sani Ahmed Toro.

Galadima was widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian football administration, having led the NFA prior to its restructuring into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

His tenure was marked by significant contributions to the development and organisation of the nation’s football architecture.

Born in 1951 in Fagge, Kano State, Galadima built a distinguished career in sports governance that spanned several decades. He first served as Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council from 1981 to 1983 and was later reappointed to the position, underscoring his enduring relevance in the sector.

At the national level, he was a member of the National Sports Commission and rose to become Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee between 1985 and 1987.

Galadima also played key roles on international platforms. He was a member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Youth Championship Organising Committee and served on the Presidential Monitoring Committee on the development of sports facilities for the 1995 FIFA World Youth Championship, initially billed for Nigeria.

In 2002, he was elected Chairman of the NFA, further cementing his legacy as a central figure in the administration of football in the country.

Throughout his career, Galadima remained a prominent voice in sports development at both state and national levels.

His family is expected to announce burial arrangements in due course.