Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has died on Thursday, April 24, 2026, aged 40, after collapsing during a match.
Eneramo collapsed during a friendly/training match on Friday morning in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna, close to his residence. The game was at a primary school field.
According to an Eyewitness account He played the entire first half — about 1 hour — and showed no signs of distress. Minutes into the second half he suddenly slumped. Teammates rushed him to a nearby hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival. Suspected cardiac arrest.
Shortly after the unfortunate incidence, NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi paid his tribute to Eneramo saying “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 Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
Nigeria’s official X page also posted Rest in peace Michael” on its page.
With Nigeria Super Eagles, Eneramo had 10 caps, 3 goals he made his debut in Feb 2009 and scored his first goal May 2009 against Ireland.
Nicknamed “the Tank” Eneramo rose from Lobi Stars to become a legend at Espérance de Tunis with 65 goals, becoming a fan favourite. He also played in Turkey for Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir, and Manisaspor scoring 31 goals in 100+ Super Lig games. He then played for Al-Shabab (Saudi Arabia), Al-Ettifaq, USM Alger (Algeria), and Turk Ocagi Limasol (Cyprus). Eneramo retired from professional football in 2018 after his stint in Cyprus.
His death comes as the latest cardiac-related tragedy in Nigerian football. Others include Patrick Ekeng (2016), Chineme Martins (2020), and Chinedu Udechukwu.
The Nigeria Football Federation and former teammates have been sharing condolences since the news broke 6 hours ago.
May he rest in peace.
