Plateau State Governor mourns Mabo

Plateau State Governor, Simon Bako Lalong says he received with shock but total submission to the will of God, the death of Coach Isma’ila Mabo, whose departure was announced on 13th March 2023..

In a release signed by his Press Secretary, Makut Simon Macham, Lalong said the death of Coach Mabo is a great loss not only to his immediate family but to the entire people of Plateau State and Nigeria at large considering the impact he made in his sporting career and football in particular.

He said “Coach Mabo in his playing days devoted his strength, energy and talent playing for many great clubs including the famous Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos and the national team, Green Eagles.”

According to the Governor, as Coach, Isma’ila Mabo is credited with discovering and mentoring young talents, grooming them and exposing them to great clubs in the State, Nigeria and the world thereby enhancing the sport.

“We remember fondly his exploits as the Head Coach of the female national team, the Falcons during the FIFA 1999 Women’s World Cup; 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games; as well as the Quarter Finals of the World Cup among others. During his lifetime on earth, Coach Mabo loved people and promoted peace, unity and oneness irrespective of ethnic, religious or political considerations” he said.

Lalong said he has lost a personal friend and mentor who did not only offered him support during his football days, but also offered him advise on enhancing the game of football when he became

Governor.

The Governor on behalf of his family, the people and Government of Plateau State, prayed God to grant his soul eternal rest and comfort the family.

Similarly, Plateau United FC have expressed shock over the death of of the octogenarian.

According to a statement by the Media Officer of the Club, Albert Dakup , described the death as a great loss not only to the state , but Nigeria as a whole in view of his invaluable contributions to the growth of female football in the country and the world at large.

The late Coach Mabo who was the pioneer Head Coach of the Super Falcons , took the senior female national team to the quarter-finals of the Olympic Games , a record yet to be equalled by his successors.

“We are saddened by the passing away of coach Samaila Mabo. He impacted positively on female football in Plateau State and Nigeria and the vacuum he left behind, will difficult to fill” the statement said.

The Statement urged the family to accept Coach Mabo’s death in good faith , stressing that one cannot question the will of God and prayed for the repose of his soul.

The late Coach Samaila Mabo played for the famous Mighty Jets Football Club of Jos and the Super Eagles before venturing into Coaching where he became the pioneer Super Falcons Head Coach that led the team to the maiden edition of the female World Cup held in China.

Until his demise, he is the Board Chairman of the Plateau State Sports Council, Jos.