Nigerian Football
Sports Medicine Expert, Pambo Explains Nigeria’ Field-Related Obituaries
BY KUNLE SOLAJA
This Thursday, it is one week since a player of Kwara United, Saka Abdulazeez, slumped unchallenged and subsequently passed on while training. Sadly, he added to the growing list of sudden death situations on the Nigerian field. Below is a list of some obituaries recorded in Nigeria or involving Nigerian elsewhere.
- May 6, 1954: David Omofeye aka “Idi” slumped and died during a Lagos first division match between his club, Railway and Marine. This is Nigeria’s first recorded sudden death on the field.
- February 21, 1974: John Akande, left winger, 22, died at a hospital following a collision with an opponent in a league match at the Olubadan Stadium. He was playing for Shooting Stars which he joined six weeks earlier.
- August 12, 1989; Samuel Okwaraji slumped and died, playing for Nigeria against Angola in World Cup qualifying match in Lagos.
- September 9, 1995: Igweniwari George, Golden Eaglets and Enugu Rangers player and younger brother of Finidi, a Super Eagles player, died in the hospital from gunshot wounds sustained after their FA Cup tie with Super Stores ended with riots at Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan.
- October 29, 1995: Amir Angwe playing for Julius Berger against Maxaquine of Mozambique in the African Winners Cup slumped and died.
- September 9, 1997: Tunde Charity Ikhidero died in the hospital following head injury sustained in a league match involving his club, Insurance and Niger Tornadoes in Benin on September 6, 1997.
- August 30, 1997: Emmanuel Nwanegbo died of heart failure playing for German lower division side, SSV Reutlingen
- February 23, 2000: John Ikoroma, a former Golden Eaglets player died of heart attack while playing for United Arab Emirates club, Al-Wahda in Dubai.
- April 16, 2000: Gabriel Anas, a central defender of Iwuanyanwu Nationale collapsed and died.
- July 14, 2001: Charles Esheko, 26, playing in India for Bengal Mumbai, suffered massive cardiac arrest on the field and died later in the hospital.
- August 12, 2006: Boniface Danjuma of Plateau United slumped and died in a league match with city rivals, JUTH, exactly 17 years after similar incident involving Samuel Okwaraji.
- May 26, 2009: Orobosa Adun, the goalkeeper of Warri Wolves slumped and died during a training session.
- March 6, 2010: Endurance Idahor, former Julius Berger and Dolphin striker, playing for Al Merreikh of Sudan, collapsed and died in Omdurman while playing against Amal Atbara.
- September 22, 2010: Habib Faloye and Kunle Oyetola, both Nigerian referees, slumped and died while participating in the Cooper Test, a yearly referees’ fitness programme at the Abuja National Stadium.
- December 12, 2010: Emmanuel Ogoli of Ocean Boys died shortly after slumping in a league match with Niger Tornadoes.
Following the latest recorded death on the Nigerian field, Sammy Wejinya, media officer of Rivers United conducted an interview with Dr. Prince Pambo on a WhatsApp forum, “Nigeria Football Support Platform”.
Dr. Pambo, a sports medicine physician and member of Ghana FA medical committee as well as the CAF subcommittee on cardiology, explained possible causes of athletes suddenly slumping on the field and passing on.
According to the sports medicine expert, “the underlying factor to most of these deaths is cardiac arrest with Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being the commonest cause.”
He mentioned that more people in the black race than the whites are dying. He explained ‘hypertrophic cardiomyopathy’ as a condition where the heart muscles are thicker than normal leading to a distorted cardiac activity.
“It is imperative to note that conditions such as concussion, hypoglycaemia, dehydration…etc’ can cause sudden collapse on the pitch but they rarely lead to death”, Dr. Pambo explained.
Perusing through available statistics, he concluded that Nigeria has the highest incidence of sudden cardiac deaths.
“The simple reason being that Nigeria has a high population and also a vibrant sports nation. There are triggers to these deaths…but most of them just happen without any triggers.”
He explained cardiac arrest as a phenomenon where the electrical system of the heart is thrown into disarray leading to an uncoordinated beating of the heart.
“The heart is therefore unable to pump blood as it’s supposed to, leading to a cessation.”
He also differentiated cardiac arrest from heart attack which is a circulatory problem. According to Dr. Pambo who is also a CAF sports medicine instructor, FIFA National Project leader for football for health and team physician for Ghana’s Black Stars Team B, “in heart attack there is a blocking of blood flow in the blood vessels ultimately leading to arrest.”
He explained further that “heart attacks are not as sudden as cardiac arrest”. Dr. Pembo explained that heart attack gives warning signs such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, dizziness and so on.
“Cardiac arrest warning signs are extremely similar to those of heart attack, but the signs are immediately followed by a sudden collapse. Unfortunately for most people, the first sign is actually a collapse”.
He also spoke of possible genetic link. “The statistics lay more occurrences on blacks because their hearts especially West Africans have an exaggerated adaptation to physical activity. They have much thicker heart walls which tends to mimic cardiomyopathy.
“Therefore during screening it is difficult to even distinguish HCM from a normal African adaptation. Also, for most black players, the first time they get screened is when they’re invited to the national teams. At that stage, it is extremely difficult to advise people to give up sports.
“In the case of ‘whites’, they do screening at an early age which makes it easier to identify children with risk factors and then advise them to give up sports entirely.
“As much as these medical conditions cannot be eradicated, it’s important for stakeholders to place a lot of emphasis on pre season medical screening, improve resuscitation skills, and also acquire modern life saving equipment.”
On prevention, Dr. Pambo remarked that the first step will be a well detailed report of the player’s medical history. He advised that certain questions should be examined: “Does he get tired easily when playing? Does dizziness occur? Any family history of sudden death?
“From history we do an ECG to assess cardiac function. We progress to do an ECHO or Cardiac MRI. All these investigations should help diagnose cardiomyopathy easily.”
He also advised on exercising the body. “As much as exercise is good for the heart, any one diagnosed with any heart condition should not exercise without consulting a doctor as not all exercises are helpful.
Nigerian Football
Football Agent John Shittu Demands Retraction and ₦250 Million Damages from Samson Siasia Over Bribery Allegation
Prominent FIFA-licensed football agent John Shittu has issued a formal legal demand to former Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia, seeking a full retraction and apology over alleged defamatory statements made against him about Nigeria’s 2008 Olympic football campaign.
In a letter dated and signed by his legal representatives, Godwin Dick Inyang & Co., Shittu categorically denied Siasia’s claim—widely reported in the media including Sahara Reporters and Soccernet.ng—that he offered Siasia a bribe of €50,000 to secure John Obi Mikel’s inclusion in the Nigeria U-23 team for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The legal notice, addressed directly to Siasia, described the allegation as “false, malicious, and grossly defamatory,” adding that it had caused “reputational harm and professional injury” to Shittu, who is widely respected in the global football industry.
“Your statement is false, malicious, and calculated to disparage and lower our client in the estimation of his colleagues, clients, and the public, particularly in the tightly regulated world of professional sports management,” the letter stated.
Shittu’s legal team is demanding:
- A full and unreserved retraction of the alleged statement on Sahara Reporters, Soccernet.ng, and all other platforms that published it;
- Publication of the retraction in at least two widely circulated national newspapers, including The Punch and This Day;
- A formal, written apology addressed to Mr. Shittu and published on all aforementioned platforms;
- A written undertaking not to issue or publish any similar statements in the future;
- Payment of ₦250 million in damages for defamation, reputational injury, and consequential losses.
The legal notice further warned that failure to comply within 14 days of receipt will result in legal action against Siasia. The planned suit would seek aggravated damages, a restraining injunction, and full legal costs.
Shittu is well known in Nigerian and international football circles, having managed and represented top-tier footballers over the years.
The gravity of the allegations, his legal team argues, is not only damaging to his personal and professional reputation but could also have implications in the closely scrutinised world of sports integrity and management.
As of the time of filing this report, Siasia has not publicly responded to the legal threat.
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Tribute by Patrick Ekeji Reflects Bond, Legacy, and Regret Over Lost Potential
The Nigerian football community is in mourning following the passing of former Green Eagles captain, Captain Chris Chukwu, MFR, a towering figure in Nigerian football and one of the most respected team leaders of his generation.
In an emotional tribute, a close teammate and longtime friend of Chukwu reflected on the deep bond they shared, describing the late defender as more than just a colleague on the pitch.
“It’s been difficult for me to accept that ‘Ol boy’ – for that is what we called each other – is no more,” the tribute began. “The news was most unexpected. It took me some time to come to terms with it.”
The bond between the two football greats, which began during their school days and continued through their careers in club and national teams, was described as one built on mutual respect and camaraderie. According to the tribute, they communicated frequently, sometimes as often as two to three times a month, until Chukwu’s health began to decline.
The writer also acknowledged the humanitarian gesture of business magnate Femi Otedola, who funded Chukwu’s medical treatment abroad when his illness worsened. “Otedola, I shall always remember what you did for him. Thank you,” the tribute noted.
Chris Chukwu was lauded as the most consistent team leader of his time, having captained teams from the East Central State Academicals to Rangers International FC, and eventually, the Green Eagles. His leadership qualities, on-field vision, and calm command earned him universal respect among teammates and coaches.
“He towered so high with the execution of his skills, overview and control of the team. It was natural, and we all respected his views on any issues that arose between us and the officials.”
The tribute also touched on Chukwu’s coaching career, noting with some regret that his gentle nature may not have suited the demands of the dugout. It further lamented the absence of adequate post-retirement support systems for athletes of his generation, which might have offered him a more structured path after his playing days.
“True, no living being has power over death, yet I believe that his post-soccer days would have taken a different route if there existed a system whereby such talents as he had exposure to appropriate post-sports/football years counselling.”
As burial plans are underway, the late football icon is being remembered not only for his achievements on the pitch but also for his humility, leadership, and the inspiration he provided to generations of Nigerian players.
“It is my prayer that God receives his soul in heaven whilst also strengthening the family he left behind to accept his departure with utmost spiritual and physical strength. Adieu, Chris.”
Chukwu’s death marks the end of an era, but his legacy will live on in Nigerian football history.
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BY IKENNA NWOKEDI
The Nigeria National League Club Owners and Managers Association (NALCOMA) has lauded the leadership of the Nigeria National League (NNL) under Chief George Aluo for the successful completion of the 2024/25 season.
Speaking at a media parley with sports journalists in Lagos over the weekend, NALCOMA President Godwin Enakhena praised the NNL board for its efforts in enhancing the quality and integrity of the league.
Enakhena described the just-concluded season as a major success, highlighting the competitive performance of teams across the four groups and the commendable conduct of fans at various match venues. He also noted significant improvements in officiating standards compared to previous seasons, attributing the progress to the NNL leadership’s commitment to raising the league’s profile.
“The standard of officiating improved remarkably this season. It reflects the dedication of the NNL leadership to ensure the league matches the standards of the top-flight NPFL,” said Enakhena, who also serves as Chairman of Sporting Lagos FC.
He further commended the NNL for securing the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State, as the host venue for the upcoming Super 8 playoffs, scheduled from July 5 to 12, 2025. He expressed gratitude to the Governor of Delta State, H.E. Sheriff Oborevwori, for his continued support for football development.
Enakhena urged the eight qualifying teams to approach the playoffs with determination, noting that only the best should represent the NNL in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) for the 2025/26 season.
The teams set to battle for promotion in the Super 8 are Warri Wolves, Crown FC (Ogbomosho), Kun Khalifat FC (Owerri), Osun United FC, Wikki Tourists FC (Bauchi), Yobe Desert Stars, Doma United FC (Gombe), and Barau FC (Kano).
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