NPFL To Honour Late Tade Azeez At Matches

NPFL To Honour Late Tade Azeez At Matches

Precious Oham

To honour the late former President of the Nigeria Referees Association (NRA), Otunba Tade Azeez, players and officials ofNigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) will observe a solemn 60 seconds silence before the start of remaining fixtures of Matchday 35 fixtures this weekend, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Azeez was reported to have died Friday afternoon following a brief undisclosed illness.

One of the fixtures of the Matchday 35 between Kano Pillars and Rivers Umited had been played before the sad news of his death broke on Friday.

But, Davidson Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer said, "We have directed that a minute silence be observed before the start of the remaining fixtures on Saturday and Sunday."

A former Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LAFA), the late Azeez was a foremost referee, earning a FIFA badge before retiring and later leading the Referee's Association Owumi, the NPFL Chief Operating Officer described the passing of the Football chieftain as another loss to the entire football family.

 "We reckon with his contributions to the growth of the league and club football over the years starting as a Referee, growing through the ranks to offer leadership as the NRA President."

He said the NPFL will miss the contributions of the former NRA Boss, "especially his stabilising presence at some tricky fixtures. Owumi extended condolences to the family, friends and associates of the late football administrator.