The coronavirus pandemic hit football hard in 2020, and with the year a few days from running to an end, the fatal disease has struck again at the country’s top football body
Mr Emmanuel Ibah, an executive board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, is dead. The country’s football body has confirmed. He was 61 years of age.
The top football administrator, who was also the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom Football Association, reportedly gave up the ghost on Tuesday morning after succumbing to complications from the coronavirus pandemic.
He was said to have underlying diabetic and hypertensive medical conditions. Ibah’s unfortunate demise made him the third member of the NFF Executive Committee to pass away this year.
The NFF earlier lost two high-ranking officials in Chidi Ofo Okenwa, who died on 5th May, and Musa Adamu Duhu, who passed on 19th September.
Reacting to the sad news on the NFF website, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr Amaju Pinnick lamented losing a brother and a loyal colleague.
“I am just lost for words. I don’t know what to say. This has been a tragic year on so many fronts.
“Emmanuel Ibah was like a brother. He was my colleague from the South-South on the NFF Executive Committee and a very loyal and supportive person. We have lost another pillar on the Board. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Details of Mr Ibah’s burial will be communicated in due time. May his soul rest in peace.