The football world was left in mourning last week following the death of former Super Falcons’ Head Coach, Ismaila Mabo. Mabo passed away on March 17th, 2023, leaving a rich legacy in Nigerian football.
However, amidst the sadness and grief, a touching tribute has been paid to Mabo by the President of world football-governing body, FIFA, Mr. Gianni Infantino.
In a letter of condolence that he signed and addressed to the President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau on 20th March 2023, Infantino expressed, on behalf of the international football community, FIFA’s deepest sympathy to the NFF, family, friends and loved ones on the passing of the titan.
The statement read in part: “I would like to express my sincerest and heartfelt condolences on the passing of the former women’s national team coach, Mabo Ismaila. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.
“Former international player with regular appearances in the senior national team, he notably defended the colours of Mighty Jets FC in the late 1960s and 1970s.
“As a coach, Mabo Ismaila led the senior women's national team, the Super Falcons, to the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1999, to two Olympic Football Tournaments in 2000 and 2004, as well as to the 1998- and 2000-women’s Africa Cup of Nations titles.
“Considered as one of the best coaches of his generation, inspiration to younger generations of coaches, having contributed to the growth of women’s football in the country and around the world, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his personality, his loyalty and his human qualities will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed.”
The FIFA President further stated that Mabo's contribution to the development of women's football in Nigeria and beyond could not be overemphasized, as he inspired younger generations of coaches with his dedication, passion, and commitment to the sport.
He concluded by expressing FIFA's support to the Nigerian football family during this difficult time and urged them to find solace in the fact that Mabo's legacy and impact on the sport will continue to live on.
Mabo's death has been a huge loss to Nigerian football, and the tributes pouring in from all around the world is a testament to the impact he had on the sport.
