Ex-Super Falcons coach dies at 80, leaving a legacy of World Cup excellence

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning following the demise of former Super Falcons coach Ismaila Mabo. The football legend died on Monday morning after a prolonged illness.

Mabo, aged 80 at his death, was a former player and captain of the Mighty Jets of Jos. He is also considered a pioneer in Nigerian football, having opened doors for many schoolboys who later became notable football stars in the country.

His contributions to the development of football in Nigeria cannot be overstated, as he led the Super Falcons to their best-ever outing at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999.

Under his tutelage, the Super Falcons reached the quarter-finals of the tournament, a feat that still stands as the team’s best-ever result.

Mabo also served as the head coach of the Nigeria women’s national team at the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympics, further cementing his status as one of the country’s foremost football coaches.

The news of his passing was confirmed by his younger brother and former Golden Eaglets star player, Salisu Nakande Mamuwa, who took to social media to express his grief.

The funeral rites of the late football icon are scheduled to hold later on Monday in Jos, Plateau State.

The football community in Nigeria and beyond have expressed their condolences to the family and friends of the late coach, with many describing his passing as a great loss to Nigerian football.