By Fayobi Adedoyin
Former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, has died.
He passed away on Saturday afternoon after an illness.
Galadima was a prominent figure in Nigerian sports administration, widely respected for his contributions to the growth and governance of football in the country. He served as Chairman of the NFA, now known as the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) until 2005, when he was removed following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
At the state level, he made significant impact in Kano, where he served as Commissioner for Sports and later as Chairman of the Kano State Sports Commission, playing a key role in the development of sports structures and talent.
On the international stage, Galadima was actively involved in football administration. He served as Chairman of the Kano sub-seat during the 1999 FIFA World Youth Championship hosted by Nigeria. In 2010, he was nominated by the NFA to replace Dr. Amos Adamu as Nigeria’s representative on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee.
Known for his reform-oriented approach, Galadima also headed a one-man reform committee set up by former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, to reposition football administration in Nigeria. He consistently advocated for a self-sustaining football system driven by strong sponsorship and reduced dependence on government funding.
He also pushed for administrative frameworks that align with both FIFA statutes and Nigeria’s legal provisions, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and professionalism in the game.
Described by associates as intelligent, humble, honest, and hardworking, Galadima leaves behind a legacy of service and commitment to Nigerian football.
Details of funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family.
