Oneya’s death is personal loss, says Ibrahim Galadima

As football fraternity in Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of Brigadier-General Dominic Oneya, the Chairman of Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has said the death of the former boss of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) is a personal loss. The former military administrator of Kano and Benue State died on Thursday, […]

As football fraternity in Nigeria continues to mourn the passing of Brigadier-General Dominic Oneya, the Chairman of Kano State Sports Commission, Alhaji Ibrahim Galadima has said the death of the former boss of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) is a personal loss.

The former military administrator of Kano and Benue State died on Thursday, August 5 in his hometown, Effurun in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State at the age of 73.

Speaking to Daily Trust, Galadima described Oneya as a perfect gentleman who was never associated with the many controversies in Nigerian football.

“Oneya’s death is a personal loss to me not only because I took over from him as the chairman of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFA) but he was my governor. So our relationship started even before I took over from him as the chairman of the NFA.

“He was also a very passionate sports lover and that brought us really close. I was always in touch with him. It has been a long time since we saw each other but we were always on the phone talking to each other to find out how we were doing.

“Oneya was one of the most respected chairmen that we had in the football family. He was not known to be a controversial person. Since he left office, he was not involved in any controversy.

“Even when others in his position complained of lack of attention that is due to them, he never complained. He conducted himself in the most respectful and dignified manner.

“Honestly, it is a personal loss to me but there is nothing we can do than to thank God for the good life he lived. We are all waiting for our time,” said Galadima.

Meanwhile, the remains of the former NFA Chairman will be buried on September 10, in his home town.