President Bola Tinubu has expressed his condolences following the passing of Issa Hayatou, the former President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who died on August 8, 2024, at the age of 77. In a statement released by his spokesman, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu extended his sympathies to Hayatou’s family, the Cameroonian Football Federation, the people of Cameroon, and the wider African football community.
Tinubu highlighted Hayatou’s significant contributions to the development of football in Africa and globally, noting his role as a one-time acting President of FIFA. Hayatou’s leadership spanned nearly three decades, from 1988 to 2017, during which he played a pivotal role in advancing the sport across the continent. His passing has prompted tributes from various football organizations and figures, reflecting on his lasting impact on African football.