The media representative for the relegated Kano Pillars of the Nigeria Professional Football League, Idris Malikawa, has expressed shock at the passing of the team’s former striker Bello Kofarmata.
Malikawa reports that the striker, who played for the Flying Eagles in the 2007 U-20 World Cup in Canada, passed away on Tuesday evening at the age of 34 in his hometown, following a brief illness.
The Sai Masu Gida, as the Pillars are affectionately known, will always remember the late Super Eagles striker who earned one cap, according to the club’s media officer.
“It is not easy losing a young player, especially someone who contributed a lot to the success of the club,” he said.
“I remember vividly in 2008, Bello was part of the squad that won the club’s first NPFL title. We will miss him, he will forever be a part of this club. He was also part of the club’s successes on the continent when we reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. There is no way to describe the feeling of losing such a player like him.”
Speaking further, he said, “He didn’t only make his mark at the club level, he also did at the national level where he played at the U-20 and U-23 levels. He was also invited to the Eagles squad for CHAN. He will be remembered for his discipline.
“He was from a football family and he stayed humble. That’s why the club honoured him and will be there for his burial immediately the brother called me.”
With his 11 goals during the 2007–2008 season, Kofarmata, a 2007 addition to Pillars, helped the team win the Nigerian Premier League championship. He also had the most goals in the league that season.
He also played for Heartland, Elkanemi Warriors, and IK Start of Norway.
In March 2010’s 5-2 friendly victory over the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Abuja, he participated in one game for the Super Eagles.
