Former Super Eagles Striker Michael Eneramo Dies at 40 After Collapsing in Kaduna

Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo died on Friday in Kaduna after collapsing during a training session. He was 40.

Eneramo slumped on the pitch of a primary school in Ungwan Yelwa, where he regularly trained to stay fit and ran a football academy after retiring from professional football in 2018. Eyewitnesses said those around him initially thought he was injured, but he wasn’t breathing properly. He was resuscitated on the spot and rushed to hospital, where he died at the entrance. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed cardiac arrest as the cause of death.

“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,” said NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

Eneramo was born in Kaduna on November 26, 1985. He began his career at Lobi Stars before being scouted by Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis in 2004. He went on to play in Turkey for five clubs — Sivasspor, Karabükspor, Beşiktaş, Başakşehir, and Turk Ocagi Limasol — as well as representing the Super Eagles at international level.

Tributes came quickly from Nigeria and abroad. Galatasaray — the club currently home to Victor Osimhen — were among those to pay respects. “We are saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who played for multiple clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig. Everyone at Galatasaray SK extends their condolences to his family, friends and the Federation of Nigeria,” the club wrote.

His death adds to a painful run of losses in Nigerian football in recent months, and has once again raised questions about medical emergency preparedness at local training grounds and grassroots football venues across the country.

Sources: Legit.ng, NFF, Ahram Online