Former Super Eagles Striker Slumps, Dies During Training in Kaduna

Former Super Eagles Striker Slumps, Dies During Training in Kaduna

  • Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has sadly passed away after slumping during a training in Kaduna
  • Eneramo quit football in 2018 after a modest career but regularly keeps fit close to his residence in Kaduna
  • The 10-cap former Super Eagles forward spent the majority of his career across Saudi and Turkish clubs

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 club Turk Ocagi Limasol.

Michael Eneramo, Super Eagles, Nigeria, London, Kaduna.
Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo dies at 40. Photo by Phil Cole.
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.

Eneramo dies at 40

According to OwnGoal Nigeria, the striker keeps fit at a primary school in Ungwan Yelwa where the incident happened on Thursday, April 24, 2026.

Read also

Tuchel, Maresca, other managers BlueCo’s Chelsea sacked and where they are now

He reportedly completed the first 45 minutes during the session, but slumped during the second half and sadly passed away before they got to the hospital.

Eneramo featured 10 times for the Super Eagles from 2009 to 2011 and scored three goals, including his first during a friendly match against Republic of Ireland.

He is best remembered for his goal against Tunisia during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier, which eventually 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. Foreign boss Lars Lagerback dropped him from the squad.

He began his full professional career in Tunisia and the Tunisians attempted to convince him to switch his nationality and play for the Carthage Eagles but he rejected.

Super Eagles official X account paid tribute to the former striker and it drew reactions from Nigerians who paid tribute to Eneramo’s life.

Read also

Fenerbahce pushes to ban Osimhen from playing Istanbul derby despite injury return

@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.”

Michael Eneramo, Esperance de Tunis, Al Ahly, CAF Champions League, Rades Olympic Stadium.
Michael Eneramo starred for Esperance de Tunis in the CAF Champions League. Photo by Fethi Belaid/AFP.
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 passed away at 74 in Kano on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

Galadima was president of the federation from 2002 to 2006, when it was still called the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), having served as Kano FA chairman.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has six years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com

Tags: