As followers and well-wishers maintain hope for Taiwo Awoniyi, who just lately woke from an induced coma after emergency surgical procedure, it reminds us of the painful historical past of Nigerian footballers who misplaced their lives throughout matches.
Awoniyi suffered a severe belly damage throughout Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester Metropolis, however his restoration brings hope amid previous tragedies.
Right here, we bear in mind 5 Nigerian gamers who confronted related struggles however tragically handed away on the sector.
Listed here are 5 gamers who misplaced their lives on the pitch.
Sam Okwaraji (1989)
Amir Angwe (1995)
On October 29, 1995, striker Amir Angwe, enjoying for Julius Berger, collapsed throughout a giant cup match in Lagos. He had a coronary heart assault and died shortly after. He was 29 years previous. His demise was just like Okwaraji’s and reminded folks that medical care at matches wanted to enhance.
Endurance Idahor (2010)
On March 10, 2010, Nigerian striker Endurance Idahor collapsed throughout a league sport in Sudan. He fell with out being hit and died earlier than attending to the hospital. The trigger was coronary heart failure. He was simply 25. His demise raised considerations concerning the well being checks footballers get earlier than enjoying.
David Oniya (2015)
On June 13, 2015, defender David Oniya collapsed solely three minutes right into a pleasant match in Malaysia. He by no means wakened. The crew stated he had a coronary heart assault and didn’t get oxygen for a number of minutes. His demise brought about criticism as a result of the ambulance was sluggish and the medical assist was not adequate.
Chineme Martins (2020)
The newest case was Chineme Martins from Nasarawa United. On March 8, 2020, he collapsed throughout a Nigerian league match. Medical doctors tried to save lots of him on the sector, however he died within the hospital. Witnesses stated the medical crew was not prepared and didn’t have the precise gear, making the scenario worse.