NFF's Acting President, Chief Mike Umeh has expressed sorrow at the death of veteran football administrator, Dr. Ayo Bello.

Dr. Bello, a one-time Board Member of then Nigeria Football Association (before it became NFF) and also former Chairman of Kwara United Football Club, died in Ilorin, Kwara State capital on Thursday at the age of 70.

"I am honestly in grief at the news of the death of the highly-respected Dr. Ayo Bello. I had no idea that he was ill.

"This is a man who contributed so much to the development of football in our country. I remember him from a long time, even before he became a member of the board of then NFA. He was always an easy-going person but a very sound administrator. His death is a huge loss to Nigeria football at this period.

"On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee and the Nigeria football family as a whole, I wish to condole the Kwara State Football Association and the immediate family that he has left behind. We pray that his soul will rest in perfect peace while we also pray that God will grant his family and Nigeria football the fortitude to bear the loss."