The funeral rites of Ismaila Mabo, the former coach of the Super Falcons, were held on Monday in Jos, the capital city of Plateau State.
Mabo, who was 80 years old, passed away after a prolonged illness.
The late coach is renowned for his outstanding contribution to women’s football in Nigeria, having led the Super Falcons to several international tournaments.
Mabo was the head coach of the senior women’s national team at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the 2000 Summer Olympics, and the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Under his leadership, Nigeria’s Super Falcons made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the World Cup, the team’s best ever result in the competition.
The funeral service was held at the Church of Christ in Nigeria (COCIN) headquarters in Jos, and was attended by several dignitaries from the sports community and beyond.
In attendance were former and current players of the Super Falcons, including Perpetua Nkwocha, Rita Nwadike, and Evelyn Nwabuoku, among others.
Also present were officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) led by the President, Amaju Pinnick, and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare.
In his tribute, Pinnick described Mabo as a legend and a father figure who contributed immensely to the development of women’s football in Nigeria.
The NFF President said that the federation will always remember Mabo for his dedication, hard work, and selflessness in the service of the country.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, described Mabo as a patriot who served his country with distinction.
Dare said that Mabo’s legacy will continue to inspire young footballers and coaches in Nigeria and beyond.
The funeral service was followed by the interment at the Gada Biyu Cemetery in Jos.
Mabo’s burial was attended by a large crowd of mourners who came to pay their last respects to the late coach.
The Super Falcons also paid tribute to their former coach by wearing black armbands during their training session on Monday.
In a statement, the team expressed their sadness at the passing of Mabo and hailed him as a great coach and mentor.
The statement read: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our former coach, Ismaila Mabo. He was a great coach and mentor who contributed immensely to the development of women’s football in Nigeria. We will always remember him for his dedication, hard work, and selflessness in the service of our country.”
The Super Falcons also expressed their condolences to Mabo’s family and friends, as well as the football community in Nigeria.
Mabo’s death is a huge loss to the Nigerian sports community, particularly women’s football, which he helped to put on the global map.
His legacy will continue to inspire generations of footballers and coaches, and his memory will forever be cherished in the hearts of those who knew him.
