From: Femi Oyelola in Kaduna
Former Michael Eneramo, a Super Eagles striker, has died after collapsing during a training session on Friday in Kaduna State, his family confirmed.
The incident occurred at the U/Yelwa Mini Stadium in Television, Kaduna, where the 39-year-old reportedly slumped suddenly while training.
Family sources said efforts to revive him failed, and he was pronounced dead minutes after collapsing. Medical personnel at the scene suspected cardiac arrest, pending a full medical report.
Eneramo’s family later confirmed his death, describing him as “a devoted father, a patriot, and a son of Nigerian football who gave everything on and off the pitch.” The family added that burial arrangements would be announced soon.
The Kaduna State Football Association also confirmed the incident, expressing shock and condolences to his family, friends, and the Nigerian football community.
Over a decade-long career, Eneramo was a key striker for Tunisian giants Espérance de Tunis, winning multiple league titles and ranking among the club’s top foreign goal scorers.
He also played for Turkish club Beşiktaş and several teams across Europe and Africa.
Internationally, he earned caps for Nigeria’s national team, the Super Eagles, and was known for his strength, aerial ability, and scoring instinct.
Tributes have poured in from former teammates, coaches, and football organisations across the country.
The Nigeria Football Federation described his death as “a huge loss to Nigerian football,” highlighting his contributions to the sport and his mentorship of young players after retirement.
In Kaduna, where he had been involved in grassroots football development and private training sessions in recent years, coaches and young players gathered at the U/Yelwa Mini Stadium on Friday evening for a candlelight procession in his memory.
“Michael was more than a player to us. He came back home to give back. He was training kids for free, teaching them discipline. This is painful,” said Coach Sani Musa, who was present during the incident.
Eneramo is survived by his wife and children.
The football community across Nigeria and beyond continues to mourn his sudden passing, honouring the career of a striker who inspired a generation.
