Shaibu commiserates with NFF over Galadima’s death

… plans strategic collaboration

The Director General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Philip Shaibu, has commiserated with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, over the demise of the Federation’s former boss, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima, who passed away over the weekend.

The NIS DG, who described the late football administrator as a man whose influence extended beyond football administration into community service, said he (Galadima) was widely respected for his contributions to society and his commitment to uplifting the vulnerable.

“On behalf of the NIS, we are here to condole with you on the loss of a great sports figure, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima. His passing is not only a loss to the NFF but to the entire sports community. He will be greatly missed. He touched many lives and brought joy to countless people. His impact in sports and at the grassroots level remains significant,” Shaibu said.

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He also used the occasion to formally engage the NFF leadership on the need for deeper collaboration between both institutions, adding that the loose ends need to be worked on as the discussion was going on.

Shaibu revealed that the Institute recently matriculated 232 students across various sports disciplines, with 117 specialising in coaching and a significant percentage focusing on football, calling for an urgent need to formalise and standardise coaching education in Nigeria.

“The level of interest in football is a clear indication that Nigeria remains a strong football nation. However, we have identified a critical gap in the coaching system, particularly at the grassroots level.

“To address this, we have developed a nationwide programme across the six geopolitical zones to identify, train and certify these coaches. This effort cannot succeed without collaboration, particularly with the NFF, whose General Secretary is an alumnus of NIS and a FIFA/CAF-certified instructor.”

The NFF boss, while responding, acknowledged the contributions of the late Galadima, emphasising his deep-rooted history in Nigerian football, including his tenure as a former chairman of the football association.

“Alhaji Galadima was not just a football administrator but a pillar in the sports community. His legacy will continue to inspire many,” Gusau said.

On collaboration, Gusau welcomed the initiative by Shaibu, saying partnership remains the most effective pathway to sustainable growth in Nigerian sports.

He said, “I am glad you explored partnerships across other sectors before coming to the NFF. It shows sincerity of purpose. We have always been aligned, even without formal meetings.”

Gusau assured that the NFF is open to working closely with the NIS, particularly in the area of coaching education, adding that both institutions can leverage each other’s facilities to achieve shared goals.