The Nigeria Football Referees Association has been thrown into mourning following the passing of former President Professor Edward Babatunde Esan, a revered figure whose leadership and passion shaped modern refereeing in Nigeria. Under the direction of the National President, Hon. Alhaji Sani Zubairu, the association extended its heartfelt condolences to his immediate family, the Oyo State Football Referees Council and the entire Nigerian football community.
Professor Esan, a respected academic and distinguished football administrator, served in several capacities within the refereeing body, including National Training Officer and later President of the association between 1996 and 1998. Throughout his career, he was unwavering in his commitment to the growth of referees, the advancement of officiating standards and the strengthening of football administration structures in Nigeria.
Read Also: NWFL Matchday Two Roundup: FC Robo Queens Dominate and Rivers Angels Grind Out Hard Win
One of his most influential contributions was the introduction of the Star Referees initiative within the then Nigeria Referees Association and the Nigeria Football Association, a programme designed to recognise excellence and promote integrity, discipline and fairness in match officiating. It remains one of the most significant reforms ever implemented in the body.
In a condolence message signed by National Publicity Secretary Chukwudi Ejimofor, the NFRA described Professor Esan as a passionate, visionary and devoted leader whose footsteps would remain a guiding reference for generations of referees.
Read Also: Nigeria U-15 Crashes Out of CAF African Schools Football Championship After Dramatic Three-Way Tie
Tributes poured in from across the country as colleagues and protégés remembered a man many described as a genius, a mentor and a steady force during critical years of the organisation’s development.
Mazi Linus Mba, a retired FIFA referee and former NFRA President, reflected emotionally on their personal bond and on Professor Esan’s role in the historic NRA leadership succession that included Chief Festus Okubule, Chief Reuben Mannok, and himself. He honoured the late icon by recalling the pioneering trailblazers who laid the foundation for refereeing in Nigeria, placing Professor Esan among the greats.
Read Also: Super Eagles Provisional Squad for AFCON 2025 Unveiled as Eric Chelle Begins Final Team Shaping
The Oyo State Football Referees Council, led by Chairman Professor Dele Oladipo, described his passing as a colossal loss. In his tribute, he celebrated Professor Esan as a legend, an academic pillar and a leader whose contributions to the growth of the refereeing community remain significant and enduring.
National Training Officer Olori Jumoke Adebisi Odeniran, a retired FIFA referee, noted his fatherly guidance and immeasurable influence on the new generation of officials. In her words, he was not only a leader but a compassionate mentor who shaped careers and built confidence.
The Benue State Football Referees Council conveyed its condolences through Chairman Anthony Gbilekaa, while leaders including Prince Kosoko Adesegun, Abraham Zakowi, Professor Abu Mallam, Dr Mohammed Adebayo Ameenu, Professor Ogunjimi, Dr Alex Mana, Ben Igwe, Comrade Baba Abel, Fatai Yusuf, Ijeoma Nwosu and Friday Awugo paid their individual respects. Many described him as a man of excellence, humility, uncompromising discipline and a pillar of Nigerian refereeing.
Read Also: NWFL Matchday Two Preview: Key Battles, Team Form and Players to Watch Across All Fixtures
For some, especially younger officials like Friday Awugo, who admired him from childhood, Professor Esan represented a father figure whose humility left a lasting impression. For others, such as Olaogun Olayiwola, his death was a deeply personal loss that left them struggling for words.
The NFRA also noted that Professor Esan is the third past President the association has lost this year, after the deaths of Otunba Tade Azeez and Chief Reuben Mannok, making the year particularly painful for the refereeing family.
Read Also: 2025 Obasa Games Scrabble Event: Tomisin Okedairo Crowned Champion at
Yet in the midst of grief, there is a shared sense of gratitude for a life spent in service to football and humanity. His leadership, his values and his dedication to fairness will remain etched in the memory of those he served, trained and inspired.
May his gentle soul rest in peace.
