The immediate past president of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA), Tade Azeez, who died on Friday, will be buried today (Saturday) at his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites.
NFRA announced his death in a statement on Friday. “A statement from Lagos Council Chairman Engr Adams Salauddin said our immediate past president passed on 2.45 pm Friday and the burial is scheduled for Saturday morning at his residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, according to Islamic rites,” the association said.
NFRA also called on its members across the country to attend the burial. “Alhaji Sani Zubairu solicits for the presence of our members from far and wide to be present during the burial rites,” the statement added.
Azeez, who died at the age of 63 after a brief illness, was a respected figure in Nigerian football.
He served two terms as NFRA chairman and was a former vice chairman of the Lagos State Football Association.
He was also the founder of the ValueJet Pre-Season Cup, a tournament that has become a regular fixture in the Nigerian football calendar.
Reacting to his death, coordinator of the ValueJet Cup, Oye Bawala, said, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved colleague and chairman of the ValueJet Cup, Alhaji Tade Azeez. Alhaji Tade was admired as much for his sportsmanship and integrity. He rose from being one of the best referees in his era to becoming an astute football administrator.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed shock and sadness over Azeez’s death.
NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi said, “There is nothing we can do other than to remember, with fond memories, his great contributions to the development of Nigeria football, which he did with utmost dedication, discipline, diligence and commitment.
“We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant all those he has left behind, including friends, family, the refereeing community and the football family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”
