Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo, who passed away at the age of 40 after collapsing during a routine training session.
Eneramo died early Friday after a sudden incident on a local pitch in the Ungwan Yelwa area of Kaduna, close to his home. According to reports, the former Nigeria international had been taking part in a casual training game when he collapsed just minutes into the second half.
He had shown no signs of illness before the incident and had completed the first part of the session without any visible discomfort. Efforts were made to rush him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment,” said Mohammed Sanusi. “I pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives his family and the Nigeria football community the strength to bear this loss.”
Eneramo remained active in football even after retiring from professional play in 2018. He regularly joined local training sessions to stay fit and connected to the game he loved.
The former forward built a strong club career across Africa and Europe. He rose to prominence with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he became one of the top strikers in North Africa. His performances earned him moves to Turkey, where he featured for Beşiktaş JK, Sivasspor and İstanbul Başakşehir FK.
At international level, Eneramo chose to represent Nigeria national football team despite being eligible to play for Tunisia. He made his debut in 2010 and scored against Tunisia in a FIFA World Cup qualifier, marking a memorable start to his international career.
He went on to earn 10 caps and scored three goals for Nigeria, contributing at key moments during his time with the national team.
Eneramo’s death has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, with tributes expected from former teammates, clubs and fans. His sudden passing is a reminder of the fragility of life, even for athletes who remain close to the sport after retirement.
He is remembered not only for his goals and career journey, but also for his lasting connection to football at every stage of his life.
