Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, was a convergence point for top football administrators, officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and leading stakeholders in the country’s football ecosystem on Saturday as Enebi Achor, the Secretary of the Super Eagles, laid his late mother, Mrs Ruth Bola Achor, to rest.
The solemn but well-attended ceremony drew dignitaries from across the football fraternity, reflecting the high regard in which Enebi is held and the collective commitment of the football family to stand with one of its own in moments of grief.
The burial rites began with a solemn church service at the UMCA Church, Ilorin, where family members, friends, sports administrators, and colleagues offered prayers and tributes celebrating a life marked by humility, discipline, and unwavering faith.
Leading the delegation were senior NFF officials, led by the President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, board members, club administrators, referees’ representatives, and supporters of the national team.
In his remarks, Gusau praised late Mrs. Achor for raising a son whose dedication and loyalty have become invaluable to Nigerian football.
The Chairman of the Kwara Football Association, Mallam Idris Abdullahi Musa (Thuraya), hosted the visitors, coordinating local arrangements and ensuring a dignified farewell for the late matriarch.
In his remarks, Thuraya described late Mrs. Achor as a “mother who raised a dedicated patriot whose commitment to Nigerian football is unquestionable.” He commended the unity displayed by stakeholders, noting that such gestures strengthen the values of community, compassion, and solidarity within the football family.
Other football heavyweights who attended praised Enebi’s professionalism and humility, stating that his late mother deserved the honour for raising a man who has contributed immensely to the smooth administration of the national team for years.
They encouraged him to find comfort in the legacy of love, discipline, and faith left behind by his mother.
The atmosphere in Ilorin was one of collective reflection, as guests paid their respects and offered prayers for the repose of the deceased. The ceremony also created an avenue for reunions among football stakeholders, who reiterated their commitment to sustaining unity within the sport, both on and off the pitch.
Enebi, visibly touched by the massive turnout, expressed profound gratitude to the NFF leadership, state FA officials, club administrators, colleagues, and friends who travelled from different parts of the country to identify with his family in their moment of mourning.
He described his mother as “a pillar of strength whose values shaped his life and career.”
The event featured more tributes from friends, associates, and colleagues of the Enebi family, who recalled the late matriarch’s generosity, kindness, and devotion to raising her children on strong moral foundations.
Late Mrs Ruth Bola Achor, aged 75, has since been laid to rest in Ilorin, leaving behind children, grandchildren all who knew her.
