Dr Ibrahim Galadima, Former NFA Chairman, Dies at 78

Veteran sports administrator, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, passed away on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano. He was 78 years old.

His younger brother, Alhaji Abba Galadima, confirmed the death and said funeral prayers will take place on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Fagge quarters, Kano metropolis.

Born on February 15, 1948, Galadima was a respected figure in Nigerian football administration. He served as chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association, now NFF, from 2002 to 2006, where he helped strengthen the sport’s organisation and Nigeria’s place on the global stage.

Before that national role, he chaired the Kano State Sports Commission and played key parts in grassroots development across the state. He was also one of the founding fathers of Kano Pillars FC, the club that has since become a major force in the Nigerian Premier Football League.

The Management, Staff, players and fans of Kano Pillars FC have mourned his passing. In a statement issued on Saturday by the club’s Media and Communications Directorate, they extended heartfelt condolences to the deceased’s family, friends, the Kano State government and the entire Nigerian football community.

“On behalf of the General Manager, Ahmed Musa, MON, OON and the Chairman of the club, Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, we extend our deepest condolences to his immediate family. We pray that Almighty Allah grants him Aljannatul Firdaus and gives his loved ones the strength to bear this great loss,” the statement said.

Galadima’s death has left a huge gap in Nigerian sports. His years of service at both state and national levels helped shape the growth of football from the grassroots to the Super Eagles, and his legacy will continue to inspire administrators and players across the country.