The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has paid tribute to the late former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo, who passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026. The 40-year-old collapsed on a training pitch in Kaduna and died before reaching the hospital.
Cause of Death Revealed
According to OwnGoal Nigeria, Eneramo slumped on the field of a primary school in Ungwan Yelwa, Kaduna, where he regularly trained to maintain fitness. An eyewitness reported that he initially appeared injured, but it soon became clear he was not breathing. He was resuscitated and rushed to the hospital, but died at the entrance. The NFF later confirmed that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, a condition that has become increasingly common in grassroots sports.
NFF Pays Tribute
The NFF released a statement on its website mourning the loss. NFF General Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi said: "This is devastating. I am short of words. I pray that God grants him eternal rest and gives his loved ones and the Nigerian football family the strength to bear this loss."
Global Mourning
Eneramo's death sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community and beyond, particularly in Tunisia and Turkey, where he spent most of his career. Turkish clubs, including Galatasaray, paid tribute. Galatasaray wrote: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who played for multiple clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig. Our condolences to his family, friends and the Federation of Nigeria."
Career Highlights
Eneramo played for five Turkish clubs: Sivasspor, Karabükspor, Beşiktaş, Başakşehir, and Manisaspor. He also had stints in Algeria and Saudi Arabia. Born in Kaduna, he retired in 2018 after a short spell with Turk Ocagi Limasol. He was known for running a football academy and training regularly at the primary school where he collapsed.
The NFF also recently paid tribute to former Nigeria Football Association President Ibrahim Galadima, who died at 74.
