The Nigerian football community is grieving the loss of one of its most respected figures, retired FIFA Assistant Referee Bosede Momoh, who passed away on Easter Monday at the National Hospital in Abuja after a prolonged illness.
A symbol of excellence, strength, and integrity, Momoh was more than just a match official. She was a pioneer, a mentor, and a pillar of support in the officiating community.
Bosede Momoh’s journey in football began long before she earned her FIFA badge in 2009, a milestone that placed her among the elite few in Nigeria’s refereeing history. Her career spanned over a decade, during which she officiated numerous domestic and international matches, including key fixtures in the Africa Women’s Championship.
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In 2020, she officially retired from active refereeing, but her love for the game never waned. She pivoted seamlessly into a new role as a Referee Assessor in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), helping to guide and evaluate the next generation of officials. Her presence continued to shape the landscape of Nigerian football from the sidelines.
She was also a vital part of the FCT Referees Council and an active member of the National Physical Fitness Instructors, frequently involved in various fitness assessments such as the FIFA MA Course Fitness Test, Zonal Fitness Test, and National Fitness Test.
Colleagues describe her as compassionate yet firm, disciplined yet approachable—a rare balance that earned her the admiration of many. She didn’t just demand respect; she commanded it by example. Her legacy is one of dedication, mentorship, and unwavering professionalism.
Tributes from the Nigerian Football Community
Here’s a rewritten and detailed version of all the tributes shared for Bosede Momoh, with each voice respectfully expanded to reflect the speaker’s sentiment while preserving authenticity, tone, and emotion. These tributes can be used as standalone quotes or integrated into your blog article, obituary, or sports tribute post.
Tributes to Bosede Momoh—A Legacy Remembered
Jelili Ogunmuyiwa (Retired FIFA Referee):
“So sad. Since I received the news, I’ve felt a deep weakness within me. Bosede Momoh was a woman who worked relentlessly to earn her FIFA badge. She didn’t just want the title; she wanted to be truly deserving of it. Her commitment to excellence, her constant training, and physical fitness were all part of her story. She pushed herself beyond expectations to stay relevant in a demanding profession. She was consistent, focused, and truly passionate about refereeing. This is a painful loss. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
Engr. Adams Salauddin (Chairman LSFRC, NPFL Assessor):
“Oh my God… Why so soon? This loss is deeply painful. Bosede was more than just a colleague—she was a genuinely kind and humble human being. Always willing to help, always approachable. Her passing has left a vacuum that cannot be filled easily. She had a spirit of excellence and professionalism, and she never let pride get in the way of her duties. I still can’t believe she’s gone. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
Oloyede Damilola (NPFL Referee):
“Rest in the bosom of the Most High God. This is a great loss to the football officiating family. Bosede Momoh was someone we all respected—stern, disciplined, but always encouraging. We looked up to her as a leader and an example. She inspired both male and female referees alike to rise above mediocrity. Her absence will be deeply felt at every level of Nigerian football. We’ve lost a giant.”
Elder Kosoko (NPFL Assessor & Former Chairman, LSRC):
“It is with profound sadness that I received the news of the passing of our dear friend and colleague, FIFA (Rtd) Bosede Momoh. She was a dedicated, disciplined, and hardworking woman. A straightforward person, business-minded, and always clear about her principles. My first direct encounter with her was in Plateau State. I was her assessor at a league match, and she stepped up to represent the officiating team during the pre-match meeting when the center referee arrived late. That moment defined her: calm, confident, and composed. She stood her ground with dignity and left a lasting impression. Her professionalism and strength of character were unwavering. She gave so much of herself to the game. We will miss her deeply. May her soul rest in perfect peace. Adieu, my FIFA.”
Okobi Sylvester (NPFL Assessor):
“God have mercy! Bose is gone? Hmmm… I’m in disbelief. This is heartbreaking. I can still hear her voice, remember her jokes, and recall her sharp insights during match assessments. She was someone who stood firm for what was right. Her death is a hard blow to all of us in the officiating family. Na wa oooo! May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”
Kogi State Football Referees Council (Under the Leadership of Comrade Baba Abel, FIFA Rtd):
“With heavy hearts and deep sorrow, we in the Kogi State Referees Council mourn the sudden and painful death of one of our brightest lights—FIFA Rtd Bosede Momoh. You were not only a symbol of pride for Kogi State but also a national treasure. Your legacy in football officiating stretches beyond our borders. Your passing is a monumental loss not just to the refereeing community, but to Nigerian football as a whole. Rest well, our daughter and sister. You will always be remembered.”
Chairman, Rivers State Football Referees Council:
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family of our late sister and to the entire refereeing council across Nigeria. Bosede Momoh was a towering figure of professionalism and humility. Her loss is one that cuts across states and communities. We join the rest of the Nigerian football family in praying for her soul to find eternal rest. What a loss. We will miss you greatly.”
Hadiza (FIFA Rtd, NPFL Assessor):
“My deepest condolences to her family and to our entire refereeing family. Mama, may your soul rest in perfect peace. You were a woman of strength, compassion, and dedication. Always leading by example and never failing to show up when it mattered most. I can’t believe you’re gone. This loss cuts deep.”
Obayemi Bosun (Chairman, Ogun State Referees Council, NPFL Assessor):
“Still in disbelief. Bosede Momoh, may your gentle soul rest in peace. You were a beacon of knowledge, integrity, and support for younger referees. Your advice and leadership helped shape many of our careers. Thank you for everything you did for Nigerian football. You will not be forgotten.”
These words echo a common sentiment: Bosede Momoh was not just a referee but a beacon of excellence in Nigerian sports.
As Nigeria’s football community mourns her, we remember her not with sorrow alone, but with gratitude for her contributions, pride in her achievements, and a renewed commitment to nurturing the spirit she embodied.
Rest well, FIFA Bosede Momoh. Your whistle may be silent now, but your voice lives on in every match officiated by those you inspired.
