The Nigeria Football Federation have expressed shock at the death of one-time board member of the body, Chief Femi Olukanmi, who gave up the ghost on Tuesday afternoon.

NFF President, Sani Lulu Abdullahi, incidentally in London to meet with players of the Super Eagles, moaned: "Ah, again! Just when we were planning for the burial of Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo?

"This is very sad. Chief Olukanmi was very close to the NFF even after he finished his tenure as board member. He always gave us useful advice. Oh my, we will miss him greatly. He was one of the true statesmen of our football."

NFF General Secretary, Bolaji Ojo-Oba, also in London, was equally stunned: "How did it happen? I mean, when did it happen? Just a few days ago, I was discussing with somebody that Baba is now closer to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadan? Why are we losing all the good and great people just like that?"

Information filtered out early on Wednesday morning that the Ibadan High Chief, who was at several times the Chairman of the Shooting Stars Football Club, the first Nigerian club to win a continental title, the Cup Winners Cup in 1976, had died.

Chief Olukanmi served as board member of the then Nigeria Football Association.