Dalung, Enyeama, Martins, Onazi mourn late NFF protocol officer

Nifemi Daniel

Super Eagles players have expressed shock following the death of Nigeria Football Federation’s Head of Protocol, Ibrahim Abubakar, who was shot dead by armed robbers.

The 43 old, who joined the Nigeria Football Federation in 2007, was murdered by the robbers in his home at Kado Estate near Gwarinpa in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa, former Captain Vincent Enyeama, defender Elderson Echiejile, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and forwards Obafemi Martins and Odion Ighalo sent in words of condolence.

Onazi who plays in Italy said: “Very sad to hear about the unfortunate loss of Ibrahim Abubakar. Rest in Peace! Our prayers are with the family you left behind.”

Also, former Super Eagles striker, Kanu Nwankwo, on his twitter handle wrote: “It is a very bad and sad news that our good friend, the Nigeria Football Federation Chief Protocol was shot dead in his home. Ibrahim Abubakar R.I.P.”

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Similarly, The Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr Solomon Dalung, who, on Wednesday afternoon, paid a condolence visit to NFF office said: “It is really a sad loss, not just for the NFF, but for the entire Sports Family. This sad occurrence has again brought to the fore the need for adequate security in the country; a situation where we all live in fear of the unknown is worrisome.”

It was however tears and wailing as Abubakar’s remains was buried on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Officials, led by the General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, accompanied the corpse from the National Hospital, Abuja to the late Abubakar’s hometown, Kaduna, where the remains were interred at some minutes after noon.

According to Sanusi,:”He was full of life when he left the office yesterday; the Federation has lost a dedicated and assiduous staff. This is so painful.”

Others who attended the burial were former NFF General Secretary, Barr. Musa Amadu, Kaduna State FA chairman, Abdulkadir Magaji, former NRA President, Ahmed Muade and former Super Eagles’ captain, Garba Lawal.

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