By Victor Okoye
Abuja, April 19, 2026 (NAN) Some football stakeholders have urged authorities to postpone the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match between Kano Pillars and Rivers United, scheduled today in Kano, to honour late Ibrahim Galadima.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian football is mourning the death of former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) President, Ibrahim Galadima, who died on Saturday.
Galadima, a revered statesman, served as NFA President from 2002 to 2006 and held key roles in Kano State sports administration and the Nigeria Olympic Committee.
The appeal follows Galadima’s burial today.
President, InterTech Football Academy Kano, Dr. Suleiman Musa, said postponement would serve as a mark of honour and respect to Galadima’s legacy and lifelong contribution to Nigerian football development across generations.
Dr. Alex Manna, former FIFA-badged referee, supported the call, describing any match play as disrespectful to Galadima’s memory and immense contributions to football.
“This is appropriate. Proceeding with the match diminishes the legacy of an icon who embodied discipline, integrity and service to Nigerian football,” Manna said.
He added, “Galadima was a principled leader and mentor. Honouring him through postponement reflects our collective respect for his impact.”
Former Gombe United Chairman, Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, expressed shock, saying he was initially too devastated to publicly mourn his close associate.
“I was speechless when I heard. Galadima was very dear to me and Nigerian football. His death is a painful loss to all stakeholders,” Gara-Gombe said.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and National Sports Commission (NSC) have continued to receive tributes for the late administrator ahead of his burial in Kano.
NFF president Ibrahim Gusau said Galadima’s legacy shaped modern Nigerian football administration, adding that his leadership remains a reference point for excellence and integrity.
“This is another one that hit us hard. Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima was a mentor to so many of us who are in various leadership positions in Nigeria sports today.
“He was the epitome of high dignity, diligence and integrity. We will miss his fatherly advice and words of wisdom dearly.
“Our prayer is that the Almighty Allah will grant him eternal rest and grant the family he has left behind and the Nigeria Football family the fortitude to bear the big loss,” Gusau said.
Born June 14, 1951, in Kano, Galadima dedicated his life to sports, serving in multiple leadership roles at state and national levels.
He chaired Kano FA, led the State Sports Council, and contributed to Nigeria’s preparations for international tournaments, including the FIFA World Youth Championship.
Stakeholders agree that postponing the NPFL fixture would be a symbolic tribute to a man widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s finest football administrators.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
