The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled the family of former Nigeria international midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died in Kaduna on Friday after observing his early-morning walk.

NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, showered tributes on the departed midfield pearl, who was a star attraction during several important Nigeria FA Cup battles in the 1980s and held sway in the middle for the Super Eagles in the late 1980s, and at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria.

“We are very sad to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, only a couple of weeks after the demise of another former Eagle, Moses Effiong (a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, in faraway USA).

Ogunlana was a great midfielder who made playing football look so easy with his majestic touches and turns, and his magnificent free-kicks.

“We pray that the Almighty will grant both of them eternal rest and grant the families they have left behind the fortitude to bear the losses.”

Ogunlana was magisterial in the midfield as Nigeria overhauled Guinea and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations and was imperial against Cameroon in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Ibadan that the Super Eagles won with an emphatic 2-0.

He also played in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup competition that Nigeria hosted in Kaduna.

In March 1990, the midfield generalissimo earned rave reviews as Nigeria finished with the silver medals at the 17^th Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, even coming close to bagging Nigeria a late equalizer in the final against hosts and winners Algeria, from his favourite dead-ball position.   

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Former Manchester United and Scotland forward Denis Law has died at the age of 84, the Premier League club said on Friday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we tell you our father Denis Law has sadly passed away. He fought a tough battle but finally, he is now at peace,” a family statement shared by United said.

“We would like to thank everyone who contributed to his wellbeing and care, past and much more recently.

“We know how much people supported and loved him and that love was always appreciated and made a difference. Thank you.”

Law began his career at Huddersfield Town but made a name for himself at United where he spent 11 years, winning the league title in 1965 and 1967, and the 1968 European Cup.

He scored 237 goals in 404 appearances for United, becoming the third top scorer in the club’s history behind Wayne Rooney (253) and Bobby Charlton (249).

Law, known as “The King”, became the only Scotsman to win the Ballon d’Or and the European Player of the Year award, claiming both honours in 1964.

 Manchester United v AFC Bournemouth – Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain – December 22, 2024 Fan stands by a mural of former player Denis Law outside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble/ File Photo

“Everyone at Manchester United is mourning the loss of Denis Law, the King of the Stretford End, who has passed away, aged 84,” United added in a statement.

“He will always be celebrated as one of the club’s greatest and most beloved players. The ultimate goal-scorer, his flair, spirit and love for the game made him the hero of a generation.

“Our deepest condolences go out to Denis’ family and many friends. His memory will live on forever more.”

The former Manchester City and Torino player remains Scotland’s all-time leading scorer with 30 goals in 55 caps after making his international debut in 1958 at the age of 18.

“The whole of Manchester, including everyone at City, is mourning with you” City said on the team’s X account. “Rest in peace, Denis. Our thoughts are with Denis’ family and friends at this difficult time.”

Law revealed in 2021 he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia.

-Reuters

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Uruguayan player Mathias Acuna was found dead in Ambato, Ecuador, on Saturday, his club Mushuc Runa said on social media, with a preliminary medical report presuming it to be a case of suicide.

Acuna, who joined the Ecuadorian Serie A side ahead of the 2025 season, was under investigation following allegations of physical and psychological abuse by a former partner, according to media reports, opens new tab.

“According to the preliminary medical report derived from the examination of the body of the player Mathias Acuna, it is presumed to be a case of suicide,” Mushuc Runa said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“We are deeply shocked by this news and we reiterate our solidarity with his family and loved ones in this difficult moment.”

The Uruguayan Football Association said in a statement shared on social media that they deeply regretted the death of the 32-year-old.

-Reuters

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