The death of the former Chairman of Shooting Stars Football Club of Ibadan, Chief Bode Oyewole and former board member of the Women  Football  League Ms. Henrietta  Ukaigwe has been described  as huge loss to Nigerian  Football, their families and the Nigerian  Union of Journalists and the Sports Writers Association  of Nigeria.

Both were journalists who took to football administration as Bode Oyewole worked with the Radio Nigeria while Ukaigwe was with the Vanguard Newspapers.

According to a statement by the Media  office of  Youth and Sports  Development  Minister, Sunday Dare, the death of the duo is a big blow to Nigeria  as their death has robbed  the  football family of their invaluable  service and contributions.

The minister remarked: “Nigeria has lost two accomplished journalists, administrators and committed individuals who did so much to uplift the standard of Nigerian Football.

“While Chief Bode Oyewole presided over Shooting Stars when they won the treble in 1998, Ukaigwe was known to have championed the development of female football.

“They both played significant roles in positioning Nigerian Football to lofty heights. They were indeed shinning lights of not just the Journalism profession, but football development.  Their death is not just a loss to their immediate families and friends, but the pen profession and Nigeria football.

“They died when their services were most needed.  My deep condolences to their families, friends, NUJ, SWAN and the entire football fraternity.  May their souls find eternal peace in the bosom of the Most high God.”

Both Oyewole and Ukaigwe died on Tuesday 14 July 2020. Oyewole  was a former Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Nigeria  Union of Journalists between 1978 and 1980,  worked  with  the Regional office of   Radio Nigeria  and served   as the Chief  Press  Secretary to late Governor  Kolapo Ishola.

Ukaigwe was Vice  Chairman  of  the  Lagos State Chapter of the Sports Writers  Association  of Nigeria, worked with  Vanguard  Newspapers, Minaj Broadcasting Services, and Superscreen Television. 

She formed the Female Football Interest Group that championed the course of developing female football in Nigeria. Elder Bode Oyewole is expected to be buried in Ibadan on Friday.