Sam Ibiam, the first Nigerian national team goalkeeper has died at the age of 90.
Fondly called ‘The Black Magnet’ or ‘The Cat’, Ibiam played as a goalkeeper for the pioneer Nigerian national football team, the Red Devils. Although the cause of his death has not been made known, the retired goaltender died yesterday, Wednesday, December 2, as confirmed by family sources.
Speaking in a telephone interview, the general secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Dr Sanusi Mohammed said, “we heard from third party source, pulled a call through and his son confirmed it. For us, we thank God for a worthy life he lived.

His records in the first national team remains sterling and excellent. Certainly, we shall participate in the burial arrangements by the time the family comes up with the programme of activities. It is our prayer that God will grant him eternal rest. We also send our condolences to his family.”

Ibiam, who was born in 1925 in Ebonyi State was the Nigerian goalkeeper for the UK selected team that toured the United Kingdom in 1949.
The legendary goal keeper only conceded just five goals in his nine years of representing Nigeria till he retired from international football in 1958.

As Nigeria’s first national goalkeeper, Pa Sam Ibiam dazzled millions with his wizardry on the field of play and brought immense honour to the country. But in his old age, he was said to have been abandoned.