By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Ibrahim Galadima, has passed away at the age of 74.
The announcement, confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation on Saturday, marks the loss of one of the country’s most influential football administrators, whose impact on the game spanned several decades.
Galadima reportedly died in Kano, with tributes pouring in from across the football ecosystem, where he was widely regarded as a mentor and a pillar of sports administration.
He served as president of the then Nigeria Football Association between 2002 and 2006, a period noted for key administrative reforms and Nigeria’s sustained presence in continental and global football competitions.
Before rising to the top job, Galadima had built a distinguished career in sports administration. He was chairman of the Kano State Football Association from 1977 to 1979 and later served as executive chairman of the Kano State Sports Council between 1981 and 1983.
Beyond football governance, he held several public service roles, including commissioner for sports and later commissioner for works, housing and transport in Kano State, reflecting his influence beyond the sporting arena.
Galadima also contributed to national and international sporting development, serving as first vice-president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and playing a role in Nigeria’s hosting of the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship.
He was equally recognised as one of the founding figures of Kano Pillars Football Club, further cementing his legacy in grassroots and club football development in Nigeria.
Reacting to his death, current NFF leadership described him as a man of integrity, diligence and immense wisdom, whose guidance shaped many administrators in Nigerian sports.
