Tinubu mourns late former CAF President Issa Hayatou

Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed condolences over the passing of Issa Hayatou, the former president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and one-time acting head of FIFA, who died at age 77.

In a statement issued on Friday, August 9, President Tinubu extended “his condolences to the family of Mr. Issa Hayatou, former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday."

The Nigerian president further described “the passing of the legendary football administrator as a huge loss, underlining his contributions to the development of the sport in Africa and beyond."

Hayatou served as CAF president for 29 years from 1988 until 2017 and acted as FIFA president from 2015-2016 following Sepp Blatter's suspension.

However, he faced criticism for resisting change and was embroiled in allegations of corruption.

As the longest-serving head of African football, Hayatou oversaw the growth of the game on the continent but was seen by some as authoritarian.

Tinubu offered condolences while acknowledging both Hayatou's achievements and controversies.

The Cameroonian died on Thursday after a long illness, according to a Cameroonian state television station.

He would have celebrated his 78th birthday the following Friday, August 9.