The Nigeria Basketball Federation has condoled with the family of late Ayodeji Jaiyeola who died on Tuesday, 17th of August 2021 after celebrating his 60th birthday on the 1st of August 2021.
In a letter signed by the NBBF Secretary General, Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi and addressed to the family, the federation expressed deep sadness over the death of the former Nigerian legend.
The deceased was a patron of Youth Alive Sports, Basketball Cruisers ’75-85′ Veteran Club, and First Lagos Veteran Basketball where he kept contributing his quota after retirement.
“Late Ayodeji Jaiyeola was an inspiring mentor to basketball players during his lifetime. He was very supportive and motivating as a leader who has made remarkable landmarks to the game of basketball.”
The federation described him as a reputable player while active on the national team
“We at NBBF are surely going to miss him greatly likewise his friends and family.”
Ayodeji Jaiyeola started his playing career with the Lagos State Intermediate Team at Oluyole ’79 alongside legendary Akeem Olajuwon, Gbade Olatona, Peter Nelson and others.
An ex-international point guard for many years and a squad member of the legendary Leventis Buffaloes, Lagos Islanders, Ebun Comets, YMCA, Union Bank, Cowries Basketball club, all based in Lagos State.
He represented Nigeria at both Junior & Senior levels at Africa Nation’s Cups, All Africa Games.
He was also a member of CMS Grammer School Team at the World Schools Games in Graz, Austria in 1986 where he emerged as the only African & Nigerian in the All Stars Team.
The federation prayed that God will grant the soul of the departed an eternal while consoling those he left behind.