The umbrella body of coaches in Nigeria, Nigeria Coaches Association (NCA), has lamented the sudden death of former coach of the Super Falcons, Effiong Ntiero.

Late Ntiero

In a statement signed by the secretary of the association, Solomon Ogbeide, the death of Ntiero was not only saddened and shocking but has opened a big gap in the development of female football in the country.

“He was one of the pioneers of female football in Nigeria. He worked tirelessly to make the Falcons a brand in the world after taking over from Ismaila Mabo. The foundation he laid is what successive coaches either in the Falcons or the junior teams are building on,” the NCA said.

The scribe lamented that the death of Ntiero has created a void that could take a very long time to cover in the development of female football, especially in the area of coaching.

“He’s one of our best. His contribution to female football and the over all development of the game cannot be wished away in a hurry. We are sad that his death came at this time and we want to commiserate with his family, the football community on this sad chapter,” Ogbeide said in the statement.