Gambia Mourns Death Of Soccer Legend Biri Biri

Gambia Football Federation has paid tribute to fabled soccer player Alhaji Momodou Njie popularly known as ‘Biri Biri’ who has died at age of 72.

Biri Biri, considered to be one of Gambia’s greatest footballers, died on Sunday in Dakar, Senegal where he was undergoing treatment for a protracted illness.

“As we mourn and celebrate you, I would like to assure you that we will not relent in our efforts in ensuring that your legacy lives on as long as we are the position,” read a statement from Gambia FA president, Lamin Kaba Bajo on Sunday.

“On behalf of the entire GFF and the football family of the country and beyond, I wish to convey our deepest condolences to your dear family, and we pray that the Almighty Allah grant you permanent abode in Janaatul Firdaus. Ameen,”

Biri Biri was a key member of Gambia’s national team, The Scorpions, in the 1970s.

Gambia President Adama Barrow, through State House Communication, also paid tribute to Biri Biri.

“His Excellency, Adama Barrow has learnt with deep sorrow the passing away of Gambian football legend, Alhajie Momodou Njie,” Barrow sais in a statement.

“On behalf of his government, the people of The Gambia and on his own behalf, President Adama Barrow expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, friends and the entire sporting fraternity.”

His former club Sevilla eulogized him on Sunday stating: “Many players have managed better statistic in Sevilla’s history, but few made as much of a hobby as he did.”

During his professional career, Biri Biri defended the shirt of several teams including the Derby County, Nykobing FC, as well as Black Diamonds, Phomtoms and Augustines in Gambia.
He joined Sevilla in 1973 and played for five seasons, after helping them gain promotion to the top tier in the 74/75 season by scoring 14 goals.