Sports

Tributes To NRA President Sanni Zubairu

The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Published

1 month ago

March 25, 2026

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The President of Nigeria Referees Association ((NRA) Sanni Zubairu, died in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness and has since been buried in Bauchi according to Islamic rites.

The Bauchi-born Zubairu was elected president of the NRA during the 2023 delegates’ conference held in Kwara State on Saturday, April 29, 2023.

Zubairu was a former FIFA referee and also served as Head of the Refereeing Unit of the Nigeria Football Federation and secretary of its Referees Committee.

The Nigeria Football Federation led tributes to the late Zubairu in a statement shared on Tuesday.

“Hon. Zubairu was a very diligent and astute worker. Subordinates, colleagues and superiors all loved him for his simplicity and uncommon humility.

He served Nigeria meritoriously on the field and in the office, working assiduously to impart knowledge and raise new generations of referees who would make Nigeria proud at home and internationally,” the General Secretary of the NFF, Mohammed Sanusi, said.

A statement from the NRA, signed by its deputy president, Kelechi Mejuobi, said “The association is deeply pained over his demise, especially at a time when his wealth of experience and services to the referees’ body and the football family in Nigeria and beyond are greatly needed.”

Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League, Gbenga Elegbeleye, also commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased and the NRA, describing his contributions to the development of the league as a lasting legacy for active and aspiring referees.

Former Nigerian champions, Enyimba FC and Kano Pillars FC, also led tributes from Nigerian clubs.“Alhaji Sanni Zubairu was a seasoned referee who transitioned into leadership with remarkable influence.

His immense contributions to the development of refereeing in Nigeria and his role in strengthening the football ecosystem will not be forgotten in a hurry,” Enyimba chairman and former international, Nwankwo Kanu, said.

General Manager of Kano Pillars and former Super Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, also said, “His demise has created a huge vacuum within the Nigerian football community, where he was widely respected for his unwavering commitment to improving refereeing standards and advancing the development of match officials across the country.

“Kano Pillars FC stands in solidarity with the Nigerian football community at this difficult time and prays for strength and comfort for all those affected by this great loss.

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Ex-Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies after collapsing during match

Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.

Published

7 hours ago

April 24, 2026

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Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo, is dead, according to SCORENigeria on Friday.

Eneramo reportedly slumped and died while playing a football match in Kaduna State.

The 40-year-old was said to be featuring at the Angwan Yelwa pitch in the Television area of Kaduna when the incident occurred.

“He slumped and died right on the spot. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful,” a source told SCORENigeria.

The former international came on as a substitute in the second half before collapsing without any contact.

“He was pronounced dead at the hospital.”

Eneramo, who had retired from professional football, previously played for several clubs, including Besiktas of Turkey, Tunisian side Esperance, and Nigerian club Lobi Stars.

Sports

Governor Adeleke Remodelling Osogbo Stadium to 15,000 Sitting Capacity

Adeleke expressed happiness at the involvement of several foreign technical partners working with the contractors to ensure that the new stadium meets FIFA standards and eventually secures FIFA certification.

Published

4 days ago

April 21, 2026

OCHEFA

61 Views

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has commenced work on remodelling Osogbo Township Stadium from 4,000 to 15,000 sitting capacity.

In a statement , Governor Adeleke emphasised that the increased capacity will attract major sporting events to boost the development of all games in the state.

He commended the speedy and qualitative ongoing remodelling of the stadium.

“This is the way to finally integrate Osun into the mainstream of sports development in the country.

“As a sports-loving governor, I am eager to ensure that the Osun Sports Trust Fund becomes operational,” he said.

Sports

Former NFF chairman Ibrahim Galadima dies at 78

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Published

6 days ago

April 19, 2026

OCHEFA

50 Views

A former chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Galadima, is dead at the age of 78.

His funeral prayers are scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.

Galadima, who also held the traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, died on Saturday evening at a hospital in Kano, according to his younger brother, Abba Galadima.

The late administrator was widely regarded as a key figure in Nigerian football, having played a major role in shaping the sport during his tenure.

He served as chairman of the football federation between 2002 and 2006, a period marked by efforts to strengthen the organisation and enhance Nigeria’s presence on the international stage.