The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep shock and sadness following the death of Tade Azeez, former President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), who passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025, after a brief illness.
Reacting to the news, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi described Azeez’s death as a devastating blow to the Nigerian football family.
“This is shocking; we didn’t even know he was sick. Another big loss to the Nigerian football fraternity. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is devastating,” Sanusi said.
“There is nothing we can do other than to remember, with fond memories, his great contributions to the development of Nigerian football, which he did with utmost dedication, discipline, diligence, and commitment. We pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives all those he left behind, friends, family, the refereeing community, and the wider football family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Azeez, aged 63, was widely respected in the football community for his charisma, leadership, and people skills. A former top-flight referee, he served as President of the Nigeria Referees Association and later as Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) during the tenure of Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, former NFF First Vice President.
During his leadership of the NRA, Azeez implemented transformative reforms that positioned the refereeing body to embrace modern technologies and improve officiating standards across the country.
Even after leaving official roles, Azeez remained actively involved in football development, notably serving as Chairman of the ValueJet Cup, an elite off-season football competition that continues to shape the local football calendar.
Azeez’s death marks the end of an era for one of Nigerian football’s most respected administrators and contributors.
