Nigerian football mourns death of former NFA president Galadima

Former president of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, has passed away at the age of 74.

His death was confirmed on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Kano by former NFF Secretary General, Sani Ahmed Toro, according to Blueprint.ng.

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

Galadima served as president of the then Nigerian Football Association (NFA) from 2002 to 2006.

Born on June 14, 1951 in Fagge, Kano, Galadima had a long and distinguished career in sports administration. He started as President of the Kano State Football Association between 1977 and 1979 and then served as Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council from 1981 to 1983.

His administrative influence extended nationally and internationally. He was a member of the Interim Committee of the National Sports Commission and later became first vice-president of the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC) from 1985 to 1987.

Galadima also held key political positions including Commissioner of Social Welfare, Youth and Sports, and later Commissioner of Works, Housing and Transport in Kano State.

At continental level, he contributed to the development of football as a member of the Youth Competitions Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

He played a role in Nigeria’s efforts to host the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship, serving as Chairman of the Kano sub-committee, and was also involved in preparations for the planned 1995 edition.

Galadima was elected president of the NFA in 2002, a position in which he left a lasting mark on the administration of Nigerian football.

His passing marks the end of an era for Nigerian sports, particularly football, where he dedicated decades of service.