Key Takeaways
- Michael Eneramo, 40, collapsed five minutes after half-time in Kaduna.
- The ex-Super Eagle earned ten caps and scored a vital 2010 World Cup qualifier goal.
- Esperance fans nicknamed him “Al Dababa” (The Tank) for his powerful style.
Former Nigeria striker Michael Eneramo has died after suffering a suspected heart attack in a friendly match on Friday in Kaduna.
The 40-year-old fell to the turf early in the second half and could not be revived. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the news, with general secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi calling the loss “devastating”.
Eneramo made ten appearances for the Super Eagles, debuting in 2009 against Jamaica. His most memorable moment came in 2010 World Cup qualifying when he netted in a 2-2 draw with Tunisia that helped Nigeria reach the finals.
At club level the powerful centre-forward was adored at Tunisian giants Esperance, where supporters labelled him “Al Dababa” (The Tank) for his strength and eye for goal. He also played in Algeria, Saudi Arabia and Turkey before returning home.
Esperance paid tribute on social media, saying Eneramo “was a symbol of strength, determination and resolve”.
Sanusi added: “I pray God grants him eternal rest and gives his family and the Nigerian football family the strength to bear this loss.”
Eneramo becomes the latest former African international to die during a game, following Cameroon’s Marc-Vivien Foé, Ivory Coast’s Cheick Tioté and Ghana’s Raphael Dwamena.