OBITUARY
Hayatou’s body still in Paris, tributes continue to flow
BY KUNLE SOLAJA, PARIS
The remains of Issa Hayatou, the former CAF president, is still in Paris where he died last week, just a day to his 78th birthday.
However, tributes are still flowing over the man who presided over CAF for 29 years, the longest tenure ever in the 67 year historry of the football governing body.
One of such tributes is from Dr. Bolaji Ojooba, a former General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation.
He described Hayatou’s death as a big loss to football and humanity, adding that the Cameroonian would forever be remembered for the development of African football.
“The news his death came as a shock because I was actually looking forward to send him my felicitations on his birthday,” Ojo-Oba, remarked.
.“ You can just imagine how deeply shocked I was when I heard about his passing. But having said that, I’m consoled that President Hayatou did his very best for African football. “His tenure witnessed monumental development across the continent and we can never forget his good ideals.”
Speaking further, Ojo-Oba noted that Hayatou’s 29-year reign as CAF President witnessed the meteoric rise of African football , adding posterity would forever be kind to the erstwhile Interim FIFA President.
“ I think to say Hayatou was ‘a true servant of African football’ is an obvious statement because he devoted all his life to the growth and development of African football, “ the former Oyo State ‘s Commissioner for Sports continued.“ For many of us who had the opportunity of working closely with him, we know what Hayatou stood for.
“ He was like the proverbial rock of Gibraltar who stood firmly for the cause of African football and I think without his well-documented efforts, African football would not be where it’s today.
“ Of course his death is painful to everyone that had a close affinity with him but frankly we must be consoled that he gave all his best towards emancipation of African football.”
Ojo-Oba added:“ I want to use this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to President Hayatou’s immediate family as well as the Cameroonian football community and the whole of African football community.
Also, on behalf of African Football and Other Sports Supporters’ Union (AFOSSU), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo who is the President General of the body also commiserated with the family of Hayatou who in his lifetime was a patron of the body.
The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed tremendous shock and deep sadness over the death on Friday of former President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez.
Otunba Azeez was reported to have given up the ghost at about 2.45 pm on Friday, 25th April 2025, after a brief illness.
A nonplussed General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, could not easily comprehend when first notified of the demise of Otunba Azeez, who was also Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association during the tenure of former NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi.
“What? Are you serious? This is shocking; we didn’t even know that he was sick. Another big loss to the Nigerian football fraternity. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is devastating.
“There is nothing we can do other than to remember, with fond memories, his great contributions to the development of Nigerian football, which he did with utmost dedication, discipline, diligence and commitment. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant all those he has left behind, including friends, family, the refereeing community and the football family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Kind, friendly, vibrant, dignified and gifted with people, the 63-year-old was an eminent stakeholder in Nigerian football, and continued to contribute immensely to the game even after leaving office as NRA President, by accepting to be chairman of the top-of-the-range off-season football tournament, ValueJet Cup competition.
Azeez was a top referee in his days before retirement, and then became the leader of the Referees’ body, during which he midwifed transformative programmes that have firmly positioned the NRA to meet up with the demands of the technological era.
He was also in the thick of things during the remarkable Seyi Akinwunmi era in the Lagos State Football Association, which positively re-defined football development, improvement and sustainability in the State.
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South African footballer Sinamandla Zondi died on Tuesday after collapsing in the warm-up before a second-tier match, his club Durban City said.
The 22-year-old was taken to the hospital ahead of Durban’s game against Milford FC, and the match was abandoned at halftime when officials were told Zondi had died.
The cause of death was still to be determined.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the passing of Sinamandla Zondi, aka Sgora, a loved member of the Durban City family,” the club said in a statement.
“Sinamandla was more than a talented footballer, He was a teammate, a friend, a brother, a son and an inspiration to all who knew him.
“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, teammates, coaches and everyone affected by this tragic loss. We will continue to support those close to him during this difficult time.”
The defender made his professional debut in September 2021 and had been a regular for his club this season as they sit top of the standings and are on course for promotion to the top flight of South African football.
-Reuters
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The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled with the FCT Referee Council and the entire refereeing fraternity in Nigeria over the death on Monday, 21st April 2025, of a former FIFA Assistant Referee, Bosede Momoh.
Momoh was said to have passed away at the National Hospital, Abuja, after a protracted illness.
General Secretary of NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, expressed “very deep sorrow” over the passing of the former arbiter, describing her as a “gentle but firm and conscientious referee” who endeared herself to all with her amiable manners, dedication to the cause, fairness and utmost discipline.
“Late Bosede Momoh was kind-hearted and of good character, yet firm and diligent in her duties. The NFF and the entire Nigerian football fraternity will miss her, as she was still contributing meaningfully to the game even after her retirement as a FIFA referee. She was a National Physical Fitness instructor and also an assessor with the Nigerian Premier Football League.
“She left a good name, and we pray that the Almighty will grant her eternal rest, and also grant her friends, family and other loved ones, and the refereeing fraternity, the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
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