Nigeria football is in mourning, following the death of referees boss, Sani Zubairu.
Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, confirmed through a statement by its Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire, that Zubairu died early Tuesday after a brief illness.
Zubairu was President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association, NFRA, and Head of the Refereeing Unit of the NFF.
He also served as secretary of the NFF Referees Committee and was a former FIFA referee.
The statement quoted NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, as expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of Zubairu. This is another painful moment for Nigeria football,” Sanusi said.
He noted recent losses, including Adegboye Onigbinde and Henry Nwosu, describing the period as tragic.
“Zubairu was diligent, humble and highly respected. He served Nigeria with dedication both on the field and in administration,” he said.
Sanusi added that he contributed immensely to developing referees and strengthening officiating standards nationwide.
“He worked tirelessly to mentor young referees and improve professionalism. His legacy will endure in Nigerian football,” he said.
He prayed for Zubairu’s eternal rest and comfort for his family and the football community.
Zubairu was known for organising training programmes to enhance referees knowledge and capacity.
He remained committed, selfless and focused in advancing refereeing standards in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Secretary of the FCT Football Association, FCTFA, Usman Ilerika, has expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Zubairu.
Ilerika, who disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, yesterday in Abuja, said the football-loving people of the FCT sympathise with the NFRA and the FCT Football Referees Council over the loss.
He described the death, which occurred in the early hours of yesterday, as painful and irreplaceable, especially at a time when the deceased’s service was greatly needed.
“The late president left an indelible mark in the development of refereeing and his contributions will not be forgotten,” he said.
Ilerika prayed that God grant the deceased eternal rest and give the family, colleagues and the entire football community the strength to bear the loss.
He added that the chairman, board and staff of the FCT Football Association extend their sincere condolences to all affected.
Earlier, the Chairman of Bauchi State Football Association, Patrick Pascal, described the late Zubairu as a towering figure in Nigerian football and a mentor to countless referees across the country.
Pascal noted that Zubairu, a respected FIFA-rated referee who hailed from Bauchi State, dedicated much of his life to the growth and development of refereeing, both within the state and country.
He emphasised that the late administrator played a pivotal role in nurturing young talents, many of whom have gone on to officiate at top-level competitions.
“His death is a huge loss, not just to Bauchi State, but to Nigerian football as a whole. He was a mentor, a leader and a guiding light to many young referees,” Pascal said.
He highlighted Zubairu’s commitment, professionalism and integrity, describing him as a man who upheld the highest standards of the game.
Pascal added that the association would continue to honor his legacy by sustaining efforts to develop grassroots refereeing and support young officials, in line with the late president’s vision.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, reports the late Zubairu’s funeral was slated for 4pm yesterday in accordance with Islamic rites.
