The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has expressed deep condolences to the Cameroonian football community and the broader African football family following the death of Alhaji Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Hayatou passed away in Paris on Thursday, the day before his 78th birthday, after battling a prolonged illness.
Hayatou, a former Cameroonian 400m and 800m champion, had a profound impact on African football during his tenure as CAF President, a position he held from 10th March 1988 to 16th March 2017. In his message, Gusau highlighted Hayatou’s dedication to elevating African football, describing him as “a great and much-loved leader” known for his integrity and strong character.
Hayatou’s contributions to football extended beyond Africa. He served as the Secretary of the Federation Cameroonaise de Football (FECAFOOT) in the 1970s before being elected CAF President at the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His influence reached the global stage when he became a member of the International Olympic Committee and briefly served as Acting President of FIFA from October 2015 to February 2016, following the suspension of Sepp Blatter.
Despite his towering presence and visionary leadership, Hayatou’s long reign as CAF President ended in March 2017, when he was defeated in a bid for a fresh term by Ahmad of Madagascar at an elective Congress in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and the entire Nigerian football community mourn Hayatou’s passing, offering prayers for his eternal rest and for the strength of the Cameroonian and African football families during this time of loss.
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