Former Nigeria striker Michael Eneramo has died after collapsing during a friendly match in Kaduna on Friday, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) confirmed. The 40-year-old, who earned 10 caps for the Super Eagles, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest just five minutes into the second half.
NFF general secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi called the loss "devastating," while tributes poured in from across the football world. Eneramo, nicknamed "Al Dababa" (The Tank) during his successful stint at Tunisian club Esperance, was known for his strength and goal-scoring ability. He also played in Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.
Eneramo made his Nigeria debut in 2009 and scored a crucial equalizer against Tunisia in 2010 World Cup qualifiers, helping Nigeria reach the finals, though he was not selected for the tournament. His death adds to a troubling pattern of African players collapsing on the pitch due to heart issues, following Cameroon's Marc-Vivien Foe, Ivorian Cheick Tiote, and Ghana's Raphael Dwamena.