It was a visit that Gafar Olawale Liameed, Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), will carry in his heart forever. A visit to a hospital room, where his dear friend and brother, Alhaji Tade Azeez, lay on a sick bed.
At that time, Gafar had no idea it would be their final moment together, but in hindsight, it’s a memory he will forever cherish.
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Just a few days before Alhaji Tade’s passing, Gafar went to see him. Despite being weakened by illness, Tade’s spirit remained as strong as ever. The two shared a quiet, meaningful conversation, filled with understanding and respect for each other’s journey. The room was filled with an unspoken bond—two men who had devoted their lives to Nigerian football, now facing the fragility of life itself.
In that moment, Gafar led the prayer. Together, they prayed—side by side—offering hope and strength. As they finished, Gafar shared a heartfelt embrace with Tade. “We held on to each other tightly,” Gafar recalled. “Then, a tear rolled down my face. How could this be happening? How could we be here, in this moment? We both pondered… and then we smiled again.”
Little did Gafar know, that would be their last exchange. The memory of that moment, where they shared both sorrow and peace, is one he holds dear as he now mourns the loss of a man who had become so much more than a colleague. Alhaji Tade Azeez was a giant in Nigerian football—a respected referee, visionary administrator, and the mastermind behind the ValueJet Cup, one of Nigeria’s most organized off-season football tournaments. His legacy was built on years of service, but it was his character that made him truly unforgettable.
Alhaji Tade’s influence spanned decades. From his leadership in the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA) to his role as Vice-Chairman of the LSFA, he played a vital part in shaping the direction of Nigerian football. His commitment to the development of the game, particularly in fostering young referees and shaping football policy, earned him the respect and admiration of all who worked with him. His spirit and love for the game were palpable in every endeavor he undertook.
But to Gafar Liameed, Tade Azeez was more than an icon—he was a brother. Their bond went beyond football. It was rooted in shared purpose, deep respect, and a mutual understanding of the power of the game to unite, inspire, and create lasting change.
“Now that he’s gone, I find myself asking—who might be next among us?” Gafar reflects somberly. “Life is fragile, and we never know when our time will come.”
In his grief, Gafar is not alone. The football community, and indeed the entire nation, mourns the loss of Alhaji Tade Azeez—a man who dedicated his life to the beautiful game. But through his work, his legacy will live on. The policies he helped shape, the referees he mentored, and the tournaments he organized will continue to carry his influence for years to come.
“A legend has departed,” Gafar solemnly says. “May God rest him and grant him Paradise. His memory will remain with us forever, and we will continue his work in Nigerian football, just as he would have wanted.”
Alhaji Tade Azeez may no longer walk among us, but his impact on the game and the lives he touched will never fade. His final moments with Gafar will forever stand as a testament to the enduring friendship and brotherhood they shared—one rooted in love, respect, and a shared passion for Nigerian football.
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