The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of former Nigeria Football Federation chief, Ibrahim Galadima.

In a condolence message issued on behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr Motsepe extended heartfelt sympathies to the Nigeria Football Federation, its current president Ibrahim Musa Gusau, the Galadima family, and the people of Nigeria.

Motsepe described Galadima’s death as a significant loss to Nigerian and African football, acknowledging his contributions to the development of the game during his tenure.

Galadima served as President of the NFF from 2002 to 2006, a period marked by key administrative and footballing developments in the country.

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Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former President of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away on Saturday, bringing to a close decades of distinguished service to sports administration in the country.

Galadima, widely regarded as one of the most respected figures in Nigerian sports governance, served as President of the NFA between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by significant administrative influence and steady leadership within the nation’s football ecosystem.

His death has elicited tributes from across the sporting community, with current Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, describing the loss as deeply painful and far-reaching.

“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 Nigerian sports today. He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence and integrity,” Gusau said.

“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 Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Born on June 14, 1951, in Kano, Galadima’s life was deeply intertwined with sports administration, spanning several decades and multiple leadership roles at both state and national levels.

He began his journey in football administration as Chairman of the Kano State Football Association between 1977 and 1979, before rising to become Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council from 1981 to 1983. His administrative acumen soon earned him national recognition, leading to his appointment as a member of the Caretaker Committee of the National Sports Commission in 1984.

Galadima’s influence extended beyond football into the broader Olympic movement. Between 1985 and 1987, he served as 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, contributing to the development and coordination of multi-sport activities in the country.

In the late 1980s, he transitioned into public service, holding key positions in Kano State as Commissioner for Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, and later as Commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, further demonstrating his versatility and leadership capacity.

His involvement in international football infrastructure planning was also notable. Galadima served as a member of the Presidential Monitoring Committee for Stadia Development ahead of the FIFA World Youth Championship, initially scheduled to be hosted by Nigeria in 1995. Although the tournament was later moved due to health concerns, he played a significant role when Nigeria eventually hosted the competition in 1999, serving as Chairman of the Kano Sub-seat.

Throughout his career, Galadima earned a reputation for discipline, integrity, and a deep commitment to the growth of Nigerian sports. Many within the football fraternity credit him as a mentor whose guidance helped shape a generation of sports administrators.

His passing marks yet another moment of reflection for Nigerian football, which has in recent times lost several prominent figures who contributed immensely to its development.

As tributes continue to pour in, Galadima is remembered not only for the offices he held but for the values he embodied—dignity, service, and an unwavering dedication to the game.

He is survived by his family, associates, and a grateful sporting nation that now mourns one of its finest administrators.

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The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has expressed deep sorrow following the tragic death of Berekum Chelsea winger, Dominic Frimpong, in a shocking armed robbery incident in Ghana.

Frimpong, aged 20, reportedly lost his life when armed robbers attacked the team bus of Ghana Premier League side Berekum Chelsea as they were returning from a league fixture. The incident has sent shockwaves across the Ghanaian football community and the wider global game.

In a condolence letter addressed to the President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, Motsepe conveyed both his personal grief and that of CAF over the devastating loss.

“It is with profound sadness that I learned of the armed robbery attack on the bus of Berekum Chelsea, returning from a Ghana Premier League fixture, which claimed the life of 20-year-old winger Dominic Frimpong,” Motsepe wrote.

He urged the GFA president to extend CAF’s heartfelt condolences to the late player’s family, friends, and teammates, emphasizing the solidarity of African football during this difficult time.

“Please pass my personal and CAF’s deepest condolences to the family, friends and teammates of Dominic Frimpong and to the Ghana Football Association. CAF is with you during this sad and painful period,” he added.

Frimpong’s untimely death has once again raised concerns over the safety and security of teams travelling for domestic competitions in parts of Africa, with stakeholders calling for urgent measures to protect players and officials.

The Ghanaian football fraternity continues to mourn the promising youngster, whose career has been tragically cut short.

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