Former NFF president Ibrahim Galadima dies at 74

Nigeria’s football community has been thrown into another round of mourning following the death of former Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation) president, Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 74.

The news of his death was first confirmed by former NFF General Secretary, Sani Toro, who disclosed that the respected football administrator died in Kano.

“I regret to announce the death of our respected Alh Ibrahim Galadima, former NFA Chairman, today in Kano. May Allah reward him with Aljanna Firdausi,” Mr Toro wrote.

In an official statement, the NFF described Mr Galadima as one of Nigeria’s most respected sports administrators, noting his immense contributions to football development across several decades.

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Mr Galadima served as President of the then Nigeria Football Association between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by administrative reforms and Nigeria’s continued presence on the continental and global football stage. Before ascending to the top job, he had built a rich résumé in sports administration, including stints as Chairman of the Kano State Football Association and Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council.

He also served as First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and was a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for stadia development ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championship, which was later staged in 1999 with Nigeria as host.

Reacting to the news, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed deep sorrow, describing Galadima as a mentor and father figure to many in Nigerian sports administration.

“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. 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,” Mr Gusau said.

Early life

Born on 14 June, 1951, in Kano, Mr Galadima devoted most of his life to public service and sports development. Between 1977 and 1979, he chaired the Kano State FA, before becoming Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council from 1981 to 1983. In 1984, he was appointed to the caretaker committee of the National Sports Commission.

His public service career also saw him serve as Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, and later as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport in Kano State. His involvement in national sports administration continued into the late 1980s and beyond, cementing his legacy as one of the key figures in the institutional growth of Nigerian football.

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Mr Galadima’s death adds to a growing list of losses within Nigeria’s football family in 2026, underlining a difficult period for the sport’s stakeholders.

Notable names like Henry Nwosu, Adegboye Onigbinde and ex Nigeria Referees President Sani Zubairu are among those who have passed away this year.

Funeral arrangements for the late Galadima are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic rites.