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OBITUARY

Hayatou’s body still in Paris, tributes continue to flow

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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, PARIS

The remains of Issa Hayatou, the former CAF president, is still in Paris where he died last week, just a day to his 78th birthday.

However, tributes are still flowing over the man who presided over CAF for 29 years, the longest tenure ever in the 67 year historry of the football governing body.

One of such tributes is from Dr.  Bolaji Ojooba, a former General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation.

He described Hayatou’s death as a big loss to football  and humanity, adding  that the  Cameroonian  would forever  be remembered  for  the development  of African  football.

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“The news  his death came  as a shock   because I was actually looking forward to send him my felicitations  on his birthday,” Ojo-Oba,  remarked.

.“ You can just imagine how  deeply shocked I  was when I heard about his passing. But having said that, I’m  consoled  that  President Hayatou  did his very best  for African football. “His tenure  witnessed  monumental  development  across  the continent  and we can never  forget  his  good ideals.”

Speaking further, Ojo-Oba  noted that Hayatou’s 29-year reign as CAF President witnessed the meteoric  rise of African football , adding  posterity  would forever be  kind to the erstwhile  Interim FIFA President.

“ I think to say Hayatou  was ‘a true servant of  African football’  is an obvious statement because  he devoted  all his life  to the growth  and development  of African football, “ the former Oyo State ‘s Commissioner  for Sports  continued.“ For many of us who had the opportunity of working closely with him, we know  what Hayatou stood for.

“ He was  like the proverbial  rock of Gibraltar who stood firmly  for the cause of African  football  and I think   without his well-documented efforts, African football  would not be where it’s today.

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“ Of course his death  is painful  to everyone that had a close affinity  with him but frankly we must be consoled that  he gave all his best  towards emancipation of African football.”

Ojo-Oba  added:“ I want to use  this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to  President Hayatou’s immediate family as well as  the  Cameroonian  football community and  the whole of African  football   community.

 Also, on behalf of African Football and Other Sports Supporters’ Union (AFOSSU), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo who is the  President General of the body also commiserated with the family of Hayatou who in his lifetime was a patron of the body.  

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

OBITUARY

At last, Peter Fregene passes away

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Nigerian football legend, Segun Odegbami who has been at the forefront of the life-saving efforts for former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Peter Fregene, has broken the sad news of the goalkeeper.

He announced that Fregene passed on, aged 77, surrounded by his wife and two of his children.

“A few minutes ago, Peter ‘Apo’ Fregene, OLY, former goalkeeper for Nigeria’s Green Eagles, who has been on life support for the past one week, passed on to meet his creator. He died quietly in the presence of two of his children and his devoted wife, Tina,”  Odegbami wrote on Sunday.

Fregene, was a member of the Nigerian team at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico. He last played for Nigeria on 13 March 1982 when Nigeria lost 3-0 to Zambia in a Group B AFCON match in Benghazi.

For years, he had been battling with illness and spent the last week on life-support.

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OBITUARY

Doyen of Morocco sports journalism, Belaid Bouimid is dead

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The Late Belaïd Bouimid

Moroccan Journalist, great expert on sports, poet with a sharp pen and above all a precursor of press cartoons in Morocco, Belaïd Bouimid passed away on Monday.

According to Moroccan publication, 360 Sport, Bouimid passed on after a long and courageous fight against illness. He was 75 years old.

He was reportedly admitted to at a clinic in Casablanca where he underwent yet another surgical operation after his health deteriorated. Belaïd Bouimid was used to getting back up. But not this time. The dean of Moroccan journalists, a true big brother to all sports journalists in the country, he passed away on Monday, September 23, 2024 at the age of 75.

Throughout his career, he distinguished himself not only through his expertise and love for sports but also through his intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

He was not just a journalist but a deeply cultured man, attuned to the evolving artistic, literary, and cultural landscapes. His sports analyses were often enriched with cultural references, giving him a unique and original perspective.

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His humanity, sharp mind, and insightful view of the world inspired many generations, whether in the editorial offices or the artistic circles he cherished so much.

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OBITUARY

Former AIPS-Africa president, Mitchell Obi mourns the dean of Moroccan journalists

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Late Belaid Bouimid

“Really sad. ” That was the first reaction of Mitchell Obi, the immediate past president of continental sports writing body, AIPS-Africa, after learning of the passage of Belaid Bouimid, the dean of sports journalists in Morocco.

 Continuing, Obi remarked: “The exit of a reliable and splendid voice. Unforgettable times with a friend who gave his utmost to lift the African sporting press.

“Belaid was brilliant in his communication style and he created laughter from nothing. Simple, self effacing but deeply functional.

“He remains my President and Africa will cherish the sterling contributions of one who truly launched AIPS Africa from its heritage of ASJU.

“A companion for all seasons, my tearful heart goes to the family and friends in Casablanca, Morocco and beyond.

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All that goes returns. Rest well Belaid Boumid … you left us with plenty to remember you by.”

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