The Nigerian football family is mourning the passing of Madam Rachael Enagbare, a respected Referees Assessor for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) and a devoted member of the Edo State Football Referees’ Council. Her sudden death has left the Nigerian Football Referees’ Association (NFRA) and the wider sports community in deep shock.
Hon. Alhaji Sani Zubairu, President of the NFRA and a retired FIFA referee, described her passing as an “irreparable and irreplaceable loss” not only to refereeing but to Nigerian football as a whole.
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“She was such a kind-hearted, respectful, loyal and active member of the association who dedicated most of her time to refereeing. Madam Rachael will be remembered for her passion, exemplary service and commitment to the growth of the refereeing profession in Nigeria,” Zubairu said.
In a heartfelt condolence message, the NFRA extended sympathy to her family, the Egor Football Referees Society, Edo State Football Referees’ Council and the entire sporting community, praying for the Almighty to grant her eternal rest.
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Tributes From Across Nigeria
Since the news of her passing broke, condolence messages have poured in from refereeing councils and colleagues across the country.
- Hon. Prince Jimoh A. Ogunmuyiwa, NFRA South West Zonal Coordinator, described her as a dedicated woman of integrity and prayed for God’s mercy and comfort for her family.
- Referee Sufiyan Bazza simply wrote, “May her gentle soul rest in peace. Miss you Mummy.”
- State councils from Enugu, Ondo, Jigawa, Ekiti, Kaduna, FCT and Osun all issued statements, expressing grief and highlighting her remarkable contribution to refereeing in Nigeria.
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Peter Bwamba, FCT Secretary, said: “The FCT Council condoles with the entire NFRA and Edo State Council for this painful death. May her soul rest in peace.”
Ondo State Referees Council under Mrs. Sekiteri-Ajayi Bolanle (FIFA RTD) added: “We sympathize with members of Edo State Football Referees Council, NPFL referees assessors, NFRA as a whole and the deceased’s family. May her soul rest in perfect peace.”
From Jigawa to Kaduna and Ekiti to Osun, the same message resonates — Madam Rachael Enagbare will be sorely missed for her service, dedication, and motherly influence within the refereeing community.
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A Life Remembered
For many in the refereeing family, Madam Rachael was more than an assessor. She was a mentor, a friend, and a guiding light to younger referees who looked up to her dedication and selflessness. Her absence will be felt in every NFRA activity, but her legacy of passion and service to the game will continue to inspire.
