Former NFA Chairman Obakpolor dies aged 78

THE Nigeria Football Federation has announced the death of the body’s former Chairman, Group Captain John Obakpolor. He was aged 78.

The organisation took to social media on Monday night to announce the passing of the former Nigeria Air Force officer.

“We @TheNFF regret to announce the passing on of one-time Chairman of then Nigeria Football Association, Group Captain John Obakpolor (Rtd),” the NFF tweeted via its official account.

“May his soul rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.”

Obakpolor presided over the then Nigeria Football Association between 1987 and 1988. 

Obakpolor, who would have clocked 79 on March 12, was a respected aeronautical engineer whose opinion on aviation matters was highly valued.

He chaired the technical and administrative panel that investigated the 2012 Dana plane crash that killed all 153 people on board.

Born in Edo State in 1942, he studied Electrical Engineering at the Yaba College of Technology before heading off to the United Kingdom for further studies.