Friends, relatives and former colleagues have continued to express shock following the death of former image maker of Nigeria football federation Austin Mgbolu on Wednesday. The seasoned image maker who served under five Federation Presidents in the course of his job reportedly had a major surgery last month and appeared to have regained good health, before complications early on Wednesday morning led to his being rushed to the hospital where he died.
“This is very sad. I pray that God Almighty will protect the family and loved ones he has left behind and give them the fortitude to bear this big loss. He was a thorough professional who did his job to the best of his ability and even as an analyst on television, he was forthright and provided wise counsel for the advancement of the Nigeria game. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said.
Mgbolu served under late Emeka Omeruah (1993 – 1997), Abdulmumini Aminu (1997 – 1999), Kojo Williams (1999), Dominic Oneya (1999 – 2002) and Ibrahim Galadima (2002 – 2006).Mgbolu was also a seasoned journalist worked with the defunct SportLlink .
At a recent forum on sports development viz a viz unemployment among the youths the former image maker opined that the youths of this country can exploit the sporting industry to fight unemployment. He challenged states with clubs sides to tinker with the idea of selling shares of such clubs as a way of raising funds. He was Nicknamed ‘Booster’ for his magnanimity and encouragement of younger professionals.