Tragedy On The Pitch: Former Super Eagles Striker Michael Eneramo Dies During Friendly Match In Kaduna
Football was thrown into mourning on Friday after former Super Eagles forward Michael Eneramo reportedly collapsed and died during a local friendly match in Kaduna, ending the life of a player remembered for his strength, loyalty, and memorable goals for Nigeria.
Eneramo, 40, was said to have played the entire first half of the match in Ungwan Yelwa before suffering what early reports suggest was a cardiac arrest just five minutes into the second half.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the tragic incident, with General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi describing the loss as devastating.
“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 Nigerian football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said from Cairo, Egypt.
Born in Kaduna on 26 November 1985, Eneramo earned 10 caps for Nigeria and was admired for choosing to represent the Super Eagles despite offers to switch allegiance to Tunisia.
He made his debut against Jamaica in London in 2009 and scored his first international goal against the Republic of Ireland months later.
One of his most memorable moments came in Abuja during Nigeria’s 2010 World Cup qualifying match against Tunisia, where he found the net in a dramatic 2-2 draw.
Nicknamed Al Dababa (The Tank) by fans of Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis, Eneramo built a respected career in Tunisia and Turkey, featuring for clubs including Esperance, Besiktas, Sivasspor, and Istanbul Basaksehir.
His death marks yet another painful loss for Nigerian football.
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