By Tgnews Reporter
The Nigerian sports community has been thrown into mourning following the death of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, a revered football administrator, former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation – NFF), and former Patron of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC).
Galadima, also known by his traditional title of Galadiman Fagge, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Kano after a brief illness. He was 74.
In a heartfelt tribute released on April 19, Engr. Habu Ahmed Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, described the late administrator as a “principled visionary” whose lifelong dedication elevated Nigerian sports at both national and grassroots levels.
“It is with a heavy heart and a profound sense of loss that I received the news of the passing of Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima,” Gumel stated.
“On behalf of the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the entire Olympic Movement in Nigeria, I extend my deepest condolences to the Galadima family, the Government and people of Kano State, and the global sports community.”
Galadima served as Chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) from 2002 to 2006, a period marked by efforts to promote transparency, professionalisation of football administration, and Nigeria’s consistent participation in continental and international competitions.
He was also instrumental in the development of Kano Pillars FC, one of Nigeria’s most prominent clubs, which he helped found.
As Patron of the NOC, he provided wise counsel and stability, championing the ideals of Olympism across Nigerian sporting federations.
His earlier roles included Chairman of the Kano State Football Association (1977–1979), Executive Chairman of the Kano State Sports Council (1981–1983), and various public service positions in Kano State, including Commissioner for Sports and later for Works, Housing and Transport.
His impact on grassroots sports development in Kano remains a model for regional sports management.
Gumel described Galadima’s passing as a deeply personal loss:
“Ibrahim was a brother, a confidant, and a dependable ally in our collective quest to put Nigeria on the global sporting map. 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.”
The NOC President highlighted Galadima’s legacy of integrity in leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth of Nigerian sports.
Funeral prayers for the late Galadima were held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Fagge Juma’at Mosque in Kano.
Engr. Gumel concluded the tribute with prayers: “We pray that the Almighty grants his soul eternal rest and Al-Jannah Firdaus. May his family find the strength and fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss. His name is forever etched in the annals of Nigerian sports history.”
“Rest in peace, Chairman.”
The statement was issued by Tony Nezianya, Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
Galadima’s death comes as another significant loss to Nigerian football and sports administration in 2026, leaving behind a rich legacy of service, leadership, and dedication to the nation’s sporting development.
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