Former Super Eagles Striker Slumps, Dies During Training in Kaduna
- Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has passed away after collapsing during a training session
- Eneramo quit football in 2018 after a modest career, but regularly keeps fit close to his home in Kaduna
- The 10-cap former Super Eagles forward spent the majority of his career at clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey
Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has sadly passed away at the age of 40 after slumping during a routine football training session in Kaduna.
Eneramo had a 14-year-long career, which began with Nigerian club Lobi Stars and ended in 2018 with Turkish-Cypriot club Turk Ocagi Limasol.
Source: Getty Images
He has been living in Kaduna, Nigeria, where he was born, since his retirement and kept a low profile away from the spotlight until his passing.
Michael Eneramo dies at 40
According to OwnGoal Nigeria, the striker kept fit regularly at a primary school in Ungwan Yelwa, where the incident happened on Thursday, April 24, 2026.
He reportedly completed the first 45 minutes during the session, but slumped during the second half and sadly passed away before arriving at the hospital.
Eneramo featured 10 times for the Super Eagles from 2009 to 2011 and scored three goals, including a goal during a friendly match against the Republic of Ireland.
He is best remembered for his goal against Tunisia during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which helped the Super Eagles qualify for the tournament in South Africa.
He failed to make the cut for the tournament after the departure of coach Shaibu Amodu when foreign boss Lars Lagerback dropped him from the squad.
He began his full professional career in Tunisia, with the country asking him to switch his nationality and play for the Carthage Eagles instead, but he refused.
The Super Eagles' official X account has paid tribute to the former striker, and the post has drawn reactions from Nigerians who paid tribute to Eneramo’s life.
Reactions to the death of Michael Eneramo
@UkoSunday wrote:
“What? Life cut short. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
@reallyshaw wrote:
“At first glance you would think that the name is Michael Emenalo. Rest in peace, Eneramo.”
@lljudewalkinpin wrote:
“Legends come and go, but their legacy lives forever.”
@zahradeenu wrote:
“His impact on the pitch won’t be forgotten.”
Source: Getty Images
He played for multiple Turkish clubs, some of whose fans have paid tribute to him on social media, alongside Tunisian fans.
@ChamtouriMourad wrote:
"Michael Eneramo is no longer with us, may God have mercy on him. He was a tremendous player and, above all, a great man. I had the chance to meet him several times; he was a wonderful person, may God have mercy on him."
@bendodu69 wrote:
“Eneramo was a legend in his homeland, and he really hurt us in the 2010 qualifiers. We'll never forget you ❤️💛.”
Ex-NFF president dies at 74
Legit.ng previously reported that former NFF President Ibrahim Galadima had passed away at 74 in Kano on April 18, 2026.
He was president of the federation from 2002 to 2006, as the Nigeria Football Association, and also headed the Kano FA.
Source: Legit.ng
