The Nigeria Football Federation has been thrown into mourning following the death of Alhaji Sani Zubairu, who passed away in the early hours of Tuesday after a brief illness, Trybal News reports.
Zubairu, a respected former FIFA referee, served as President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association and was also the Head of Refereeing Unit within the NFF, as well as Secretary of the federation’s Referees Committee.
Confirming the development, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing it as another painful moment for Nigerian football.
“We are saddened to confirm the death of Hon. Sani Zubairu, the President of Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA) and Head of Refereeing Unit of the NFF. It is another period of mourning for Nigeria football, following the deaths of Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and Coach Henry Nwosu in the past couple of weeks.
“Hon. Zubairu was a very diligent and astute worker. Subordinates, colleagues and superiors all loved him for his simplicity and uncommon humility. He served Nigeria meritoriously on the field and in the office, working assiduously to impact knowledge and raise new generations of referees that would make Nigeria proud at home and internationally. The NFF and Nigeria football will miss greatly. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his immediate family, friends, relations, the NFF family and the NFRA the fortitude to bear the big loss.”
Zubairu’s passing adds to a difficult period for Nigerian football, coming shortly after the deaths of Adegboye Onigbinde and Henry Nwosu.
During his career, Zubairu played a key role in developing refereeing in Nigeria, organising training programmes and mentoring upcoming officials. His contributions both on the pitch and behind the scenes earned him widespread respect across the football community.
His death leaves a significant void in Nigerian refereeing, with tributes already pouring in for a man widely regarded as dedicated, selfless and committed to raising standards within the game.
