Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has died after collapsing during a friendly football match in Kaduna State on Friday.
The incident reportedly occurred in Ungwan Yelwa, where the 39-year-old had played the entire first half before slumping shortly after the restart of the second half.
Early reports indicate that Eneramo may have suffered cardiac arrest about five minutes into the second half of the match.
The tragic development was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), with its General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, expressing shock over the loss.
“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 during a telephone conversation from Cairo, Egypt.
Born on 26–November–1985 in Kaduna, Eneramo had a notable football career at both international and club levels. He earned 10 caps for Nigeria after opting to represent the country instead of Tunisia.
He made his debut for the Super Eagles in a goalless friendly against Jamaica in London on 11–February–2009 and scored his first international goal later that year in a 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland.
Eneramo played a key role during Nigeria’s qualifying campaign for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, featuring in matches against Kenya and Tunisia. One of his standout performances came on 06–September–2009, when he scored in a 2-2 draw against Tunisia in Abuja.
At club level, Eneramo gained prominence with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he became a fan favourite and earned the nickname “Al Dababa” (The Tank). He also had stints in Turkey, playing for Beşiktaş J.K., Sivasspor, and İstanbul Başakşehir F.K..
