Ex-Super Eagles Striker Michael Eneramo Dies at 40 After Collapsing on Pitch.
Nigerian football is in mourning following the sudden death of former Super Eagles forward Michael Eneramo, who collapsed during a football match in Kaduna on Friday, April 24, 2026. He was 40.
Eneramo was playing in a friendly match at the Angwan Yelwa pitch, Television area of Kaduna, when tragedy struck. He had completed the first half and came on as a second-half substitute before collapsing suddenly, five minutes into the second half, with no physical contact involved.
Eyewitnesses said efforts to revive him on the spot were unsuccessful. He was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. Early reports indicate he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
NFF, Clubs Pay Tribute
The Nigeria Football Federation described the news as “devastating” and a “huge loss to our football family.” NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said: “Eneramo was a committed patriot who served Nigeria with pride and passion. This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment.”
The official Super Eagles account posted: “Rest in peace Michael.”
Former clubs also mourned him. BeÅŸiktaÅŸ JK wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Eneramo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.” Espérance de Tunis, where he was nicknamed “Al Dababa,” also shared tributes.
Born November 26, 1985 in Kaduna, Eneramo earned 10 caps for Nigeria between 2009 and 2011, scoring 3 goals. He made his Super Eagles debut against Jamaica in London in February 2009 and scored his first goal against the Republic of Ireland in May 2009. He also featured in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, scoring a memorable goal against Tunisia in Abuja.
At club level, Eneramo played for Lobi Stars, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, BeÅŸiktaÅŸ J.K., Sivasspor, and Ä°stanbul BaÅŸakÅŸehir, among others. He was known for his physical presence and was fondly called “the Tank” by Esperance fans.
Life After Football
Eneramo retired from professional football in 2018 after a stint with Turk Ocagi Limasol. Since then, he remained active in the game, regularly playing in local kickabouts to keep fit and running a football academy in Kaduna to nurture
NFF General Secretary Sanusi added that the tragedy “highlights the need for regular medical screening at all levels of the game.
Michael Eneramo’s death adds to the list of Nigerian internationals lost too soon, including Rashidi Yekini and Peter Rufai.
He is survived by his family and a generation of fans who will remember his power, his goals, and his dedication to Nigerian football.
*Rest in peace, Michael Eneramo. 1985 – 2026.
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