Gianni Infantino Praises Deceased Nigeria Coaching Legend Ismaila Mabo

By: Gyang Dakwo

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has described the former Nigeria Super Falcons coach Ismaila Mabo, who died last week, as ‘one of the best coaches of his generation’.

Mabo, the most accomplished women’s football coach in Africa, died at the age of 80 after a protracted illness.

In his condolence letter to the NFF, Infantino, who was recently re-elected FIFA president for a second term, said the former defender was an inspiration.

Infantino said: “Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for this loss.

“Considered as one of the best coaches of his generation, inspiration to younger generations of coaches, having contributed to the growth of women’s football in the country and around the world, his legacy and achievements, and in particular his personality, his loyalty, and his human qualities will not be forgotten and he will be truly missed.”

As one of the early proponents of women’s football in Africa, Mabo discovered, coached, and mentored some of the best players to come out of the women’s game in Africa, including the likes of Mercy Akide, Florence Omagbemi, Perpetua Nkwocha, Nkiru Okosieme, and Patience Avre.