Immediate Past President of the Nigeria Football Referees’ Association (NFRA), Otunba Tade Adegboyega Azeez, has sadly been confirmed dead, Modzero Sports reports.
Sources close to the family confirmed the passing of the highly respected football administrator, who served Nigerian football with distinction and integrity.
In a heartfelt response, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed “tremendous shock and deep sadness” over the death of the former NRA President, who died on Friday, 25th April 2025, at about 2:45pm after a brief illness.
A visibly shaken General Secretary of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, struggled to process the news, reflecting the profound impact of the loss.
“What? Are you serious? This is shocking; we didn’t even know that he was sick. Another big loss to the Nigeria football fraternity. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is devastating.
“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.”
Otunba Tade Azeez, aged 63, was not only a former top-flight referee but also a charismatic and deeply respected figure in the Nigerian football community. Avuncular and vibrant, he was renowned for his people skills and unwavering dedication to the sport.
Even after his tenure as NRA President, he continued to contribute to the game, serving as Chairman of the prestigious off-season ValueJet Cup tournament.
During his leadership, he introduced transformative programmes that modernized the NRA, ensuring it remained relevant in an era defined by technological innovation.
Otunba Azeez also played a pivotal role during the dynamic Seyi Akinwunmi era at the Lagos State Football Association, which saw significant strides in football development and sustainability in the state.
His legacy lives on in the hearts of those he mentored, worked alongside, and inspired in Nigerian football.
