Former Super Eagles striker, Michael Eneramo, has died at the age of 40 after collapsing during a football match in Kaduna State on Friday.
Reports indicate that Eneramo slumped while participating in a local friendly match in the Ungwan Yelwa area of Kaduna.
Efforts to revive him on the pitch were unsuccessful, and he was confirmed dead shortly afterwards.
Early accounts suggest the former striker had been active in recreational football since retiring from the professional game, maintaining his fitness close to his residence.
Tributes began pouring in within hours of the incident, with officials of the Nigeria Football Federation and former clubs expressing grief over the sudden loss.
One federation official described the development as “devastating” and offered prayers for his family and the wider football community.
Eneramo enjoyed a 14-year professional career that took him across Africa, the Middle East and Europe.
He began his rise at Lobi Stars before gaining prominence with Tunisian giants Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he became a fan favourite and one of the club’s most prolific scorers.
He later featured for several clubs including USM Alger, Al-Shabab FC, and Turkish sides such as Sivasspor and Beşiktaş J.K., building a reputation as a physically imposing forward.
Over the course of his career, he scored more than 100 goals at club level.
At international level, Eneramo earned about 10 caps for Nigeria between 2009 and 2011, scoring three goals.
He made his debut in 2009 and quickly announced himself with a goal against the Republic of Ireland.
Born in Kaduna, Eneramo retired from professional football in 2018 after a final stint in Cyprus, but remained connected to the sport at grassroots level.
Further details surrounding the exact cause of death are yet to be officially confirmed.
