The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled Vanguard Media Limited over the death on Saturday night of ace photojournalist Sylva Eleanya.
NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire, who worked with the respected photojournalist for almost 10 years at Vanguard, was visibly distressed: “The NFF is in grief over the death of Mr. Eleanya. A big tree has fallen. He was one of the very best in the photo sector.
“We remember that Sylva Eleanya was always present at major events, and did his job creditably and professionally. He was a prominent face in Calabar just a week earlier when the Super Eagles defeated Liberia to qualify for the 2013 African Cup of Nations.
“Honestly, I am inconsolable. He was a personal friend and was always so jovial. We travelled together to several major international sporting events and he always excelled.”
NFF General Secretary, Barrister Musa Amadu, said: “We send our most sincere condolences to the immediate family of Mr. Eleanya, Vanguard Media Limited and Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Lagos State chapter. He was a jolly good fellow and will be missed by all at the NFF and the entire Nigeria football family.”