OBITUARY
Hayatou’s body still in Paris, tributes continue to flow
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.
“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.
“ 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.
The Nigerian sports media community has been thrown into mourning following the deaths of two respected football journalists and administrators, Oyeniyi Oyeleke and Tonex Chukwu.
Their passing has triggered tributes from colleagues across the country who remember them as dedicated professionals who made meaningful contributions to sports journalism and football administration.
Oyeleke’s Legacy in Broadcast Sports Journalism
Oyeleke, a former chairman of the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, was widely respected for his work in broadcast sports journalism.
During his career, he worked with the Nigerian Television Authority, where he was part of the network’s sports reporting team, before later contributing to coverage on SuperSport.
As Lagos SWAN chairman, Oyeleke was known for his efforts to strengthen the professional standing of sports journalists and promote unity within the association.
Colleagues recall him as a calm, thoughtful voice within the sports media fraternity, always willing to mentor younger journalists entering the profession.
Chukwu Remembered in Nigerian Club Football
Tonex Chukwu, who also passed away, built a strong reputation within Nigerian club football circles, particularly through his work as media officer of Enyimba FC, one of the country’s most successful teams.
He later served as coordinator for Heartland FC, contributing to the organisation and administration of the club during his tenure.
Friends and colleagues describe Chukwu as a passionate football communicator who played an important role in bridging the relationship between clubs, supporters and the media.
Tributes Pour In
News of their deaths has prompted an outpouring of grief across Nigeria’s sports community, with journalists, club officials and administrators remembering both men for their commitment to the game.
Many have taken to social media and professional platforms to honour their memories and reflect on the impact they made within the industry.
As tributes continue to flow, colleagues say the legacies of Oyeleke and Chukwu will endure through the many journalists and football professionals whose careers and lives they touched.
The Nigerian sports community has also extended heartfelt condolences to their families, friends and loved ones during this difficult period.
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Veteran French coach Jean Louis Gasset, who was fired at the last Africa Cup of Nations by Ivory Coast before they went on to win the trophy, has died aged 72, his former French club Montpellier announced on Friday.
Hosts Ivory Coast were sensationally beaten 4-0 by minnows Equatorial Guinea in their last group game at the 2023 edition in the biggest upset in tournament history, finishing third in their group.
Gasset was dismissed after the shock defeat but the Ivorians earned a reprieve as one of the best third placed finishers to qualify for the knockout rounds and eventually won the title under Gasset’s assistant Emerse Fae.
One month after returning to France, Gasset was appointed coach at Olympique de Marseille but stayed for only four months.
He went back to Montpellier last season but when they were headed for relegation, he was sacked in April.
Gasset spent most of his playing career at Montpellier, where his father had been one of the club founders.
The cause of death was not given.
Reuters
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The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Norbert Okolie, the Media Director of Rangers International FC, describing his passing as a major loss to the Nigerian sports community.
Okolie, a respected journalist and administrator, died over the weekend. Until his death, he served as the Media Director of the Enugu-based NPFL side and previously chaired the Enugu State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN). He was also a member of the association’s national council.
In a condolence statement, NPFL Media Director Harry Iwuala paid tribute to Okolie’s professionalism and dedication, noting that he was one of the most outstanding media officers in the league.
“I have worked and am still working with NPFL clubs’ Media Directors, and Norbert was one of the few who distinguished himself in the way he engaged the public, especially the sporting media, on behalf of his club,” Iwuala said.
He added that Okolie’s background as a photojournalist enriched his work and elevated the quality of media content produced for the club, the league, and the wider public.
Iwuala extended heartfelt condolences to Okolie’s family, Rangers International, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, and members of the NPFL Media Directors Association.
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