Nigerian football is in mourning following the sudden death of former Nigeria national football team forward Michael Eneramo, who reportedly collapsed during a friendly match in Kaduna State. He was 40 years old.
The former striker was said to have played the first half of a local game in Ungwan Yelwa before collapsing about five minutes into the second half. Early reports point to a suspected cardiac arrest, though official confirmation is still awaited.
The Nigeria Football Federation described the incident as devastating. The federation’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said the news had left the football community in shock, adding that prayers were needed for the repose of his soul and comfort for his family.
Born on November 26, 1985, in Kaduna, Eneramo earned 10 international caps for Nigeria. He featured for the Super Eagles in friendlies and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. He made his international debut in 2009 against Jamaica in London and scored his first goal for Nigeria in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland. One of his most notable performances came in a World Cup qualifier against Tunisia in Abuja, where he scored in a crucial fixture.
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At club level, Eneramo built a strong career abroad, most notably with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he became a key figure and earned the nickname “Al Dababa,” meaning “The Tank.” He also played in Turkey for clubs including Beşiktaş, Sivasspor, and İstanbul Başakşehir.
In a related development within African football, participants have begun arriving in Abuja for a three-day workshop on women’s football administration organised by the Confederation of African Football in collaboration with WAFU Zone B. The programme, scheduled for April 26 to 28, will bring together officials from seven West African countries to discuss development strategies and structural challenges in the women’s game. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who also heads WAFU-B, is expected to open the event.
Separately, preparations are underway for the 2026 President Federation Cup, with final matches scheduled across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The NFF has directed all states, except Lagos which received a postponement, to complete their finals by April 26 or face sanctions, including a ₦1 million fine. National playoffs will follow ahead of the main tournament draw.
