TheCable

Austin Mgbolu, former spokesman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), is dead.

The deceased, who served as the image maker of the body between 1993 and 2001, died on Wednesday.

He was said to have undergone a major surgery in January, and appeared to have regained his health. But he had complications on Wednesday morning and was taken to the hospital, where he reportedly died.

“This is very sad. I pray that God Almighty will protect the family and loved ones he has left behind and give them the fortitude to bear this big loss,” Mohammed Sanusi, NFF general secretary, said in a statement.

“He was a thorough professional who did his job to the best of his ability and even as an analyst on television.

“He was forthright and provided wise counsel for the advancement of the Nigeria game.

“We pray that God will grant him eternal rest.”

Nicknamed ‘Booster’ for his magnanimity and encouragement of younger professionals, Mgbolu served with the administrations of Sampson Emeka Omeruah (of blessed memory), Abdulmumuni Aminu and Anthony Kojo Williams, and briefly with the board of Dominic Oneya, a retired general who came into office when Williams was impeached in 2000