The Lagos State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Lagos SWAN) has again been thrown into a mourning state with the tragic demise of one of its vibrant members, Dapo Sotuminu, who died on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

According to the Lagos SWAN chairman, Debo Oshundun, “This is a loss that strikes the heart of the association and serves as a painful reminder of the toll taken on the journalism and sports community. Sotuminu’s untimely departure is a case of one too many as we battle with the death of another member, Adeyinka Adebayo. This will surely leave an indelible mark on Lagos SWAN and its members.”

Oshundun described him as a consummate professional and passionate journalist because he would always be ready to stand and be counted when called.

While reminiscing on his life and time, he said Sotuminu was dedicated and committed to excellence and professionalism. The Lagos SWAN chairman said these were evident throughout his illustrious career.

He rose from a cub reporter to serve as the Deputy Sports Editor at New Telegraph Newspaper, Sports Editor at Compass Newspaper, Director of Communication with the Nigeria Women Football League, and Media Director for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

The association affirmed that beyond Sotuminu’s professional achievements, he was also a visionary who championed grassroots sports development through the Victor Ikpeba 5-Aside Tournament and as the Director General for Sports at the Surulere Local Government Area of Lagos.

The Lagos SWAN family extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues left behind, as his legacy in sports journalism and sports development will never be forgotten.

The Nigeria Football Federation has commiserated with the family of veteran journalist, Dapo Sotuminu, who died in Lagos on Wednesday morning after a brief illness.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said: “This is really shocking. I have known Dapo for more than two decades and have always been impressed with his zest for thoroughness and of course, his passion for women’s football from the beginning of the game in Nigeria.

“Words are not enough to describe his stature as a professional and someone who showed immense respect and regard to fellow professionals and other human beings. We pray that the Almighty will grant him eternal rest, and also grant his family, friends and the sports-writing fraternity the fortitude to bear the big loss.”

Reports said the dedicated and resilient journalist gave up the ghost at the hospital to which he was rushed after he suddenly fell ill at home.

Sotuminu, a sapient and prolific professional for the several decades he was in the trade, worked at, among other media houses, TNT Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor), New Telegraph Newspapers (Deputy Sports Editor) and Compass Newspapers (Sports Editor).

Suave, self-effacing and gifted with boundless energy, Dapo Sotuminu also served as the Director of Communications of Nigeria Women Football League and Media Director of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Egyptian footballer Mohamed Shawky, who plays for second-tier club Kafr El Sheikh SC, passed away early on Tuesday after collapsing on the pitch.

Shawky, 29, was participating in his team’s league game against Kazazeen on Wednesday before falling after a sudden heart attack.

The game was cancelled as the intensive trials to cure the player on the pitch failed before moving him to the hospital for further treatment.

The club announced that the player died at 4:00 am due to a cardiac arrest after spending the last few days on a ventilator at the intensive care unit.

The incident has reignited criticism of medical preparedness at Egyptian football stadiums, with fans and analysts questioning whether existing protocols are sufficient.

Shawky’s death comes months after a similar case involving Ahmed Refaat, a 31-year-old player for Modern Future FC and the Egyptian national team. Refaat collapsed during a match in March and died in July after prolonged medical treatment.

Refaat’s death followed years of concerns raised by the 2006 death of Mohamed Abdelwahab, Ahly defender, who collapsed during training. 

Abdelwahab’s death prompted the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports to mandate the presence of ambulances and advanced medical equipment at matches.

In a statement on Tuesday, the EFA and the Ministry expressed condolences for Shawky’s family and announced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. The Ministry said it would take legal action if negligence is found.

-Ahram