Professional soccer as a competitive sport has had its unfair share of tragedies over the years. It is both entertaining and dangerous, especially on the field of play. The Nigerian sports family witnessed one of soccer’s most horrific tragedies on December 23, 2008, when nine amateur soccer players and two female coaches were burned unrecognizable in a car accident on their way from Jos, Plateau State.
Tears of pain had barely dried when 15 members of an amateur team, FC Jimeta from Adamawa State, Nigeria, died in another car accident on January 26, 2009. Twelve of those killed were players, while the remaining three they were coaches. .
The tragedy that took place on January 26, 2009 had barely subsided when another devastating incident occurred on February 21, 2009. In one fell swoop, 13 football fans of the Nigerian Premier League team Ocean Boys FC from Yenegoa were Killed by people suspected of being a Cultist, on their way to attend a major league game involving their team and Bayelsa United at the Ughelli Township Stadium in Delta State, Nigeria.
Nigerian footballers have also had their fair share of tragedies on and off the pitch. Below is a list of some of the players who have defied all odds to cheer up football-loving Nigerians, but then succumbed to the cold hand of death.
- Samuel okwaraji
Nigeria’s enterprising midfielder Samuel Tochukwuma Okwaraji collapsed and died on August 12, 1989 during a World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Angola. He died of a heart related disease.
- Amir angwe
Amir Angwe died on the pitch while starring for Julius Berger FC on October 29, 1995. It was later discovered that he died of a heart attack.
- George Igenewari
The younger brother of former Nigerian international George Finidi was shot to death by rival supporters during an FA Cup match involving his club, Rangers FC and Lagos’ Stationary Stores in 1995.
- Charity Tunde
He was a member of the Flying Eagles team that participated in the 1989 U-20 World Championship held in Saudi Arabia. He died of a head injury sustained on the field of play while playing for Bendel Insurance FC in a league game in 1997.
- Bonifacio Danjuma
This Plateau united player died on August 12, 2006 after he collapsed and was confirmed dead 13 minutes into the second half of his team’s tie with city rival JUTH of Jos at Nassarawa Stadium, Keffi. .
- Orobosa Adun
He was the starting goalkeeper for Warri Delta State’s Warri Wolves FC. He collapsed and died on May 26, 2009 during training as a result of an injury sustained when he was attacked by thugs from Enugu International Rangers.