The Nigeria Football Federation has expressed tremendous shock and deep sadness over the death on Friday of former President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez.

Otunba Azeez was reported to have given up the ghost at about 2.45pm on Friday, 25th April 2025, after a brief illness.

A nonplussed General Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, could not easily comprehend when first notified of the demise of Otunba Azeez, who was also Vice Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association during the tenure of former NFF 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi.

“What? Are you serious? This is shocking; we didn’t even know that he was sick. Another big loss to the Nigeria football fraternity. Only a few days ago, we were mourning the death of former FIFA referee Bosede Momoh. This is devastating.

“There is nothing we can do other than to remember, with fond memories, his great contributions to the development of Nigeria football, which he did with utmost dedication, discipline, diligence and commitment. We pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant all those he has left behind, including friends, family, the refereeing community and the football family, the fortitude to bear the loss.”

Avuncular, vibrant, dignified and gifted with people skills, the 63- year- old was an eminent stakeholder in Nigeria football, and continued to contribute immensely to the game even after leaving office as NRA President, by accepting to be chairman of the top-of-the-range off-season football tournament, ValueJet Cup competition.

Azeez was a top referee in his days before retirement, and then became the leader of the Referees’ body, during which he midwifed transformative programmes that have firmly positioned the NRA to meet up with the demands of the technological era.

He was also in the thick of things during the remarkable Seyi Akinwunmi era in the Lagos State Football Association, which positively re-defined football development, improvement and sustainability in the State.

Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne leaves the pitch after the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester United in Manchester, England, Sunday, April 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson) (Image: AP)

Aston Villa are reportedly considering an audacious move for Kevin De Bruyne, following confirmation that the Manchester City star will be departing the Premier League champions when his contract ends this summer.

De Bruyne, 33, has been a key figure in City’s success over the past decade, contributing to six league titles and Champions League triumph. However, the Belgian international was recently informed that he would not be offered a new contract by the club’s management, following City’s underwhelming 2024-25 season.

The midfielder has already been associated with potential transfers to Saudi Arabia and the MLS. Yet, Aston Villa could offer him an opportunity to extend his Premier League career.

This is according to a recent report from Sky Sports, who suggests that the Midlands club have privately conducted ‘internal discussions’ regarding a possible bid for the player.

Securing De Bruyne would be a significant achievement for Villa, who are aiming for Champions League qualification for the second consecutive season under the successful leadership of Unai Emery.

While competition for De Bruyne’s signature is expected to be intense this summer, the experienced midfielder has hinted at his willingness to stay in the Premier League, not ruling out the possibility of joining a domestic competitor.

“It came as a bit of a shock. I’m open for anything (including staying in the Premier League),” De Bruyne revealed to journalists after City’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the weekend.

“I have to look at the whole picture, sporting, the family, everything together, what makes the most sense for my family. I don’t know what it is. It depends on when you speak to people about projects and things.”

De Bruyne hinted that he was not in agreement with City’s decision to part ways, asserting that he still ‘feels like he can do a good job’ for the Premier League champions.

He added: “It was a very brief meeting. I don’t really feel like I want to share what was said because it was basically more business wise for them.

“They just made the decision based on that. It was not really a long conversation. It was just what they told me and I have to accept the situation even though I feel like I can still do a good job, that’s it.”