NOC hails late Galadima’s role in professionalizing Nigerian football

The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) has paid tribute to late Ibrahim Galadima, former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), for advancing football professionalization in the country.

Describing Galadima as a legendary administrator, NOC recalled his decades-long service that shaped the country’s sporting landscape.

Galadima, who once served as patron of the NOC, was described as a principled visionary who worked tirelessly to raise the standard of Nigerian sports at every level.

In a statement issued on behalf of the NOC and the entire Olympic Movement in Nigeria, the President Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel extended heartfelt condolences to the Galadima family, the government and people of Kano State, and the global sports community.

“Ibrahim was a brother, a confidant, and a dependable ally in our collective quest to put Nigeria on the global sporting map,” Gumel said in the statement signed by Tony Nezianya, the NOC PRO sent to Persecondnews.

“His exit leaves a vacuum that will be incredibly difficult to fill. He was a man of immense grace, even in the face of the most daunting administrative challenges.”

Gumel highlighted Galadima’s reputation for integrity in leadership, noting that during his time as NFA Chairman he championed transparency and pushed for the full professionalisation of football administration in the country.

“As patron of the NOC, Galadima brought wisdom and stability to the organisation, ensuring that the core ideals of Olympism remained firmly upheld across all national sporting federations, Gumel added.

“The late administrator also left an enduring mark on grassroots sports development in Kano State, where his approach to nurturing talent at the community level has become a model for how regional sports programmes should be run and sustained.”

Gumel said the loss felt deeply personal. “For me his passage is also a personal loss,” he stated, describing Galadima as more than a colleague but a trusted partner in the drive to elevate Nigeria’s standing in international sport.

The NOC chief prayed that the Almighty God grant Galadima’s soul eternal rest and Al-Jannah Firdaus, while asking for strength and fortitude for the bereaved family.

Galadima’s name is now permanently etched in the annals of Nigerian sports history, NOC stated.