Oneya’s death huge loss to Nigeria football — NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation has described the passing of one of its former helmsmen, Brigadier-General Dominic Obukadata Oneya as a huge loss to the country’s football. The former Chairman of then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) died yesterday in his hometown, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State at the age of 73. General […]

The Nigeria Football Federation has described the passing of one of its former helmsmen, Brigadier-General Dominic Obukadata Oneya as a huge loss to the country’s football.

The former Chairman of then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) died yesterday in his hometown, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State at the age of 73.

General Secretary of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said he was devastated beyond words because he spoke to the deceased on Wednesday – a matter of hours earlier.

“We spoke on Wednesday because I conveyed to him information that the NFF had appointed him as match commissioner for the men’s AITEO Cup final coming up on Sunday in Benin City.

“He told me he would prefer to drive down to Benin from Warri on Sunday morning. He sounded healthy and full of life.

“General Oneya was a gentleman to the core. His death is a huge loss to Nigeria football. May his soul rest in peace,” he said.

Late Oneya was the Chairman of then Nigeria Football Association (now Nigeria Football Federation) between January 2000 and October 2002

He also served the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in various capacities, including as a Member of the highly influential Organizing Committee for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Oneya was military administrator of Kano State between August 1996 and August 1998, when he was redeployed to Benue State in the same role, serving there until the return of democratic rule in May 1999.