The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, on Tuesday paid a solemn condolence visit to the headquarters of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in Abuja following the passing of former NFA President, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, in a deeply emotional moment for Nigerian football.
Adeboye was received by the President of the NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, alongside top officials of the federation, as tributes continue to pour in for the late football administrator whose death has left a huge void in the nation’s sporting community.
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During the visit, the SSA signed the official condolence register opened in honour of Galadima, describing his passing as a monumental loss not only to football but to Nigeria as a whole.
“Today, I came here not just in my official capacity, but as someone who recognizes and deeply respects the legacy of a man who gave his life to the development of Nigerian sports. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a pillar, a mentor, and a man of great integrity.”
The atmosphere at the NFF Secretariat was sombre, with staff and stakeholders still grappling with the loss of one of Nigeria’s most respected sports administrators.
Adeboye, while interacting with the NFF leadership, reflected on Galadima’s impactful tenure as President of the NFA between 2002 and 2006, noting that his contributions helped shape the modern structure of Nigerian football.
“Men like Galadima are rare. He was a builder of systems, a leader of men, and someone whose vision continues to guide Nigerian football today. His legacy will stand the test of time.”
The SSA emphasized that honouring pioneers like Galadima is essential to sustaining progress in the sports sector.
“We must continue to uphold the values he stood for—discipline, service, and commitment. That is how we keep his legacy alive.”
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau appreciated the visit, describing it as a strong show of respect and solidarity from the Presidency and the grassroots sports development office.
Adeboye concluded the visit with prayers for the repose of the late administrator’s soul and strength for his family and the entire football community.
“We pray Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest and gives his family, friends, and all of us the fortitude to bear this great loss.”
As Nigeria continues to mourn, Adeboye’s presence at the NFF headquarters stands as a powerful tribute—one that reinforces the enduring legacy of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, a true giant of Nigerian football.
