Nigeria football thrown into mourning over referees’ boss
By Our reporters The Nigerian football community has been hit by another tragedy following the death of Honourable Sani Zubairu, the President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA). The
By Our reporters
The Nigerian football community has been hit by another tragedy following the death of Honourable Sani Zubairu, the President of the Nigeria Football Referees Association (NFRA).
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Zubairu, a former FIFA-badged referee, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, March 24, 2026, following a brief illness. At the time of his death, he also served as the Head of the Refereeing Unit for the NFF and Secretary of its Referees Committee.
Zubairu’s passing marks a sombre period for the nation's sports sector, coming just weeks after the deaths of veteran coach Chief Adegboye Onigbinde and legendary player Coach Henry Nwosu.
NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing Zubairu as a diligent and humble professional who dedicated his life to raising the standard of officiating in Nigeria.
"Hon. Zubairu was a very diligent and astute worker," Sanusi stated. "He served Nigeria meritoriously on the field and in the office, working assiduously to impact knowledge and raise new generations of referees. The NFF and Nigeria football will miss him greatly."
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The Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Otunba Gbenga Elegbeleye, also extended condolences on behalf of the league's board and clubs. He highlighted Zubairu's lasting impact on the domestic game.
"The contributions of the former referee to the development of the league is a legacy to active and aspiring referees," Elegbeleye said, praying for comfort for the Bauchi-born official's family and the refereeing body.
Elected as President of the referees' association during the 2023 delegates conference in Kwara State, Zubairu was widely recognized for his focus on modernizing Nigerian officiating. During his tenure, he spearheaded numerous courses and training programs aimed at improving the technical capacity of both elite and aspiring referees.
