Chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Aisha Falode and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paidt tribute to renowned journalist Henrietta Ukaigwe.
Henrietta died on Tuesday morning after a brief illness which threw the entire Nigeria football family into mourning on Tuesday.
Henrietta was the founder of the Female Football Interest Group (FFIG), an interest group that contributed to the development of women’s football in Nigeria and beyond.
The late Ukaigwe championed the course of Women’s football in Nigeria in the early 90’s.
Read Also:NFF Adopts PPG As New Season Will Start September/October
She was until her death a board member of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL).
Falode who was astounded by the sudden death of her colleague described her as a warrior whose aspiration is to see the NWFL rise to greater height.
“Words alone cannot describe the loss of Henrietta Ukaigwe.
“She was a warrior for the cause of Nigeria Women Football development, a crusader who wanted to see women’s football on top all the time. Rest in peace Henrietta.”
NFF also in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr Mohammed Sanusi described Henrietta’s death as a blow to the game of women’s football in Nigeria.
“The death of Henrietta Ukaigwe is a devastating blow to the game of women’s football in Nigeria,” NFF General Secretary.
“We are still in rude shock at her premature departure, but we collectively take solace in the fact that she left her formidable footprints in the sands of time.
“We pray that God will give her eternal rest and also grant those she has left behind the fortitude to bear the big loss,”
Africa Top Sports compiled some of the tribute messages showered on the late journalist cum football administrator.
Veteran journalist and AIPS Africa President Mitchell Obi paid tribute on Facebook:
” Simply depressing…the strident voice of the women’s game gone at a time the game is finding its voice from top to bottom.
“So sad a loss. And then Bode again…a day to forget..gloom all round.
“But let’s find the courage to go through these times and salute two of a kind who gave so much to journalism and soccer.
“We will always cherish their stay with us and as Ayi Kwei said..all that goes returns. Ike Gwuru!
Senior Special Assistant to the former Minister of sports Nneka Anibeze added:
” Sad day for women’s football in Nigeria. She and a few started and championed the cause of women’s football in the country back in the 90s.
“She started Female Football Initiative Group FFIG and we tagged along with her then with Harry Awurumibe, Pepsie Adiukwu, Comfort Coleman etc.
“Unfortunately, she never reaped from that initiative.
“Never could imagine Women’s Football in this country without Henrietta and Princess Jegede May her gentle soul Rest In Peace.”
Head of media of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Femi Adetula wrote:
“Jesus Christ.
She called me last month and we spoke extensively. Haaaàa, Worldwide.
Nasarawa Amazons Chairperson Hajia Husseina Sulaiman wrote: ” I can not believe this my friend and my dear sister. Death has separated you from me.
May your soul rest in peace.”
President of 36Lions Football Club, Lagos, Hajj Gafar noted:
” A rude shock indeed! Very good friend and a staunch football individual she was.
“She made sure I was ushered in like a king at Super Screen around 2009.
“This is another huge blow for football! May God almighty please grant us all the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss.
May God almighty please console her entire family.
Technical director of NWFL Premiership side, Edo Queens, Rollandson Odeh posted:
” Speechless…my president FFIG. I still cant believe you are gone. God knows best.
“Rest on Henrietta.
“My sincere condolences goes to her immediate family and the entire women Football family.
“May the good Lord grant the family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable lose.Rest in peace my sister.
Adewale Ajayi, a Canadian based Sports journalist and Founder of Nigeria Sports Mouthpiece (NSM):
”An Iroko of the women’s game has fallen. NSM has lost a committed and hard-working member.
“We need to keep praying. Death must stay away from us. Rest in peace Henrietta.
“We love you but God knows best.”