The Nigerian football federation's (NFF) head of protocol Ibrahim Abubakar has been shot and killed by robbers in Abuja on Wednesday.
Nigeria, who are playing in an African Nations Championship warm-up match against Angola in Pretoria, released a statement confirming that the 43-year-old had been murdered.
General secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said: "He was full of life when he left the office yesterday; the Federation has lost a dedicated and assiduous staff. This is so painful."
Super Eagles media officer Oluwatoyin Ibitoye said the killing was "shocking, devastating and tragic."
Shocking, devastating & tragic news about the killing of @thenff's head of protocol Ibrahim Abubakar by armed robbers this morning in Abuja.
- Oluwatoyin Ibitoye (@Toyin_Ibitoye) January 6, 2016
Abubakar, who joined the Nigeria Football Federation in 2007, is survived by a wife and three children.
Nigeria legend Nwankwo Kanu tweeted his sadness at the news.
Very bad and sad news that our Good friend the nigeria football federation chief protocol was shot dead in his home.ibrahim ABUBAKAR R.I.P
- Kanu Nwankwo (@papilokanu) January 6, 2016
Minister of Youth and Sports, Barr Solomon Dalung added: "It is really a sad loss, not just for the NFF, but for the entire sports family. This sad occurrence has again brought to the fore the need for adequate security in the country; a situation where we all live in fear of the unknown is worrisome."