Saturday Apr 25, 2026. 11:00
The Nigerian football fraternity is in mourning following the news that Michael Eneramo has died after collapsing on the pitch during a friendly match on Friday.
The 40-year-old, who played for the likes of ES Tunis, Sivasspor and Besiktas as a striker, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest five minutes into the second half in his hometown of Kaduna.
Eneramo is the latest African footballer to have passed away while playing the game he loved. Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foe and Ivory Coast’s Cheick Tiote were the most notable names to die in similar circumstances.
The former Nigeria international made his debut in a friendly against Jamaica on 11 February 2009 and went on to earn 10 caps, the last of which came in a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea on 10 October 2010.
Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi expressed his shock at hearing the sad news and said Eneramo’s passing will be felt across the country.
“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.
A post on the Super Eagles’ official X account read: “He was a symbol of strength, determination and resolve, and created unforgettable moments.”