BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
The death of former Super Eagles goalkeeper Peter Rufai, on July 3, 2025, has once again cast a solemn shadow over July—a month that, over the decades, has become tragically synonymous with the passing of some of Nigeria’s most iconic football figures.
From pioneering coaches and players to football administrators, July seems to carry an eerie pattern of farewells in the Nigerian football community. Sports Village Square recalls the long, haunting list of notable football personalities who have died in this very month:
Jelisavicic Tihomer “Father Tiko” – July 1, 1986.
Fondly remembered as the architect of Nigeria’s rise in African football in the 1970s, the Yugoslav coach guided the Green Eagles to third-place finishes at the 1976 and 1978 Africa Cup of Nations.
His era was marked by 45 matches, 24 wins, and a generation of stars. He died in an auto crash in Cancún, Mexico, just two days after the 1986 World Cup ended.
Samuel Ojebode – July 4, 2012
A left fullback and captain of IICC Shooting Stars, Ojebode was part of the legendary 1976 team under Father Tiko. His death marked the near-complete passing of that team’s iconic back four.
Dan Anyiam – July 6, 1977
A pioneer of Nigerian football and vice-captain of the famed 1949 UK Tourists, Anyiam was the first indigenous coach to sign a contract with the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). He was found dead in his car on July 6, 1977.
Muda Lawal – July 6, 1991
The midfield maestro and member of the victorious 1980 AFCON team, Lawal died on the 14th anniversary of Dan Anyiam’s death. He was also a key figure under Father Tiko and a part of IICC’s continental conquests.
Bashorun MKO Abiola – July 7, 1998
Nigeria’s greatest sports philanthropist and financier of several football clubs, including Abiola Babes, MKO Abiola died while in detention. His contribution to football remains unmatched across Africa.
Father Dennis Slattery – July 7, 2003
An Irish missionary and former NFA chairman (1956–1959), Slattery officiated several Challenge Cup finals and was a major figure in school sports development, founding the famed St. Finbarr’s College, Akoka.
Israel Adebajo – July 25, 1969
Founder of the legendary Stationery Stores FC, Adebajo died weeks before his club’s Challenge Cup final appearance. His team was one of the most beloved in Nigeria’s football history.
Enemuo Edozie – July 25, 2004
Edozie Enemuo was the Head of Marketing for the Nigeria Football Association (NFA). He tragically died in a car accident on July 25, 2004, along the Port Harcourt-Aba expressway while travelling to watch a CAF Champions League match between Enyimba and Bakili Bullets. The accident, which involved a collision with a tanker, also claimed the lives of five other people.
Enemuo’s death was a significant loss to the Nigerian football community. He was described as a dedicated and committed individual, and his death was described as “a very big shock” by NFA spokesman Sam Kaalu. At the time of his death, he was survived by three young children.
Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu – July 25, 2024
A political and sports figure, Iwuanyanwu took over Spartans FC and turned it into Iwuanyanwu Nationale, a dominant club in the 1980s and early ’90s. He passed away at 81.
Mathias Obianika – July 27, 1992
The former Enugu Rangers striker made a memorable debut for Nigeria in 1971 with two goals against Upper Volta (now Burkina Faso). He later became Rangers’ chief coach.
Anthony Ikazoboh – July 27, 1999
Former Super Stores player, two-time NFA Chairman and ex-Minister of Sports, Ikazoboh was murdered by armed robbers. He was instrumental in the development of Nigerian football, including the introduction of professional football in 1990.
Akinloye Oyebanji – July 27, 2019
A veteran NTA sports journalist and broadcaster, Oyebanji served for 35 years and retired as Managing Director of NTA Properties. He died after a long illness.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah – July 27, 2024
Owner of FC IfeanyiUbah and a two-time Senator, Ubah died in a London hospital. He was a key investor in football and politics in the southeast region.
Cyril Okosieme – July 29, 1999
Pioneer goalkeeper for Enugu Rangers and later Bendel Insurance, Okosieme’s legacy lives on through his children who also made significant marks in Nigerian sports.
Tesilimi “Thunder” Balogun – July 30, 1972
The first Nigerian professional footballer in England, Balogun was a legend whose powerful shots earned him the nickname “Thunder.” He remains one of the most iconic names in Nigerian football history.
Sam Garba Okoye – July 31, 1978
A key figure in Nigerian football in the 1960s and ’70s, Okoye was known for his flair and trademark headband. He died in a car accident.
The recurring pattern of loss in July is both painful and puzzling for the Nigerian football community.
With Peter Rufai—the Super Eagles’ 1994 AFCON-winning and World Cupgoalkeeper—now added to this sombre roll call, the month continues to be one of mourning and reflection in Nigerian football history.
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