Nigeria Referees Association President Sani Zubairu Passes Away After Illness
The passing of Alhaji Sani Zubairu, President of the Nigeria Referees Association, has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community. Zubairu, a retired FIFA referee, died after a prolonged illness, bringing an end to his tenure as head of the referees' body. The Bauchi-born administrator had a significant impact on refereeing in Nigeria, playing a key role in the administration and development of the sport.
Zubairu's tenure was marked by his dedication to the growth and improvement of refereeing standards in Nigeria. His leadership and expertise were instrumental in shaping the future of refereeing in the country. The news of his passing has been met with sadness and tributes from the football fraternity, with many paying homage to his contributions to the sport.
The loss of Zubairu comes barely a year after the passing of his predecessor, Otunba Tade Azeez, who died in 2025. His death is a significant blow to the Nigerian football community, particularly among referees who looked up to him for guidance and leadership.
The Nigeria Referees Association will undoubtedly miss the guidance and expertise of Zubairu, who had been at the helm of the association since his election in 2023.
The passing of Alhaji Sani Zubairu is a significant loss to Nigerian football, particularly to the referees who looked up to him for leadership and guidance. Zubairu's dedication to refereeing in Nigeria will be remembered for years to come. His legacy will live on through the many referees he mentored and guided during his tenure as president of the Nigeria Referees Association.
