Former Super Eagles Forward Michael Eneramo Dies At 40*

By Seyifunmi Odunuga

Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo, who reportedly collapsed during a friendly match in Kaduna.

The 40-year-old forward was said to have played the entire first half of a local game in Ungwan Yelwa before collapsing about five minutes into the second half. Early reports suggest a suspected cardiac arrest.

Reacting to the tragic incident, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep shock. 

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones and the Nigeria football family the strength to bear the loss,” said NFF General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi.

Born on November 26, 1985, in Kaduna, Eneramo earned 10 caps for Nigeria, representing the Super Eagles in international friendlies and 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

He made his debut against Jamaica in London in 2009 and scored his first international goal in a friendly against the Republic of Ireland. 

One of his most memorable moments came in a World Cup qualifier against Tunisia in Abuja, where he found the net in a crucial encounter.

Eneramo enjoyed a successful club career abroad, particularly with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he became a fan favourite and earned the nickname “Al Dababa” (The Tank). 

He also featured for Turkish sides including Beşiktaş, Sivasspor, and İstanbul Başakşehir.

Meanwhile, participants have begun arriving in Abuja for a three-day women’s football administrators’ workshop organised by the Confederation of African Football in collaboration with regional body WAFU Zone B.

The workshop, scheduled for April 26–28, will bring together officials from seven West African countries to discuss the growth, challenges, and strategic development of women’s football across the region.

President of the NFF, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, who also heads WAFU-B, is expected to declare the event open alongside key stakeholders in African football development.

In domestic football, final matches of the 2026 President Federation Cup will take place across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory this weekend.

The NFF confirmed that all states except Lagos, which secured a postponement, must conclude their finals by April 26 or face sanctions.

According to NFF Director of Competitions Ruth David, any state that fails to comply with the schedule risks a fine of ₦1 million.

The national playoffs will follow the state finals, ahead of the draw for the main tournament.