5 Nigerian Footballers Who Sadly Died While Playing

As fans and well-wishers hold hope for Taiwo Awoniyi, who recently woke from an induced coma after emergency surgery, it reminds us of the painful history of Nigerian footballers who lost their lives during matches. 

Awoniyi suffered a serious abdominal injury during Nottingham Forest’s 2-2 draw with Leicester City, but his recovery brings hope amid past tragedies.

Here, we remember 5 Nigerian players who faced similar struggles but tragically passed away on the field.

Here are 5 players who lost their lives on the pitch.

Sam Okwaraji (1989)On August 12, 1989, during an important World Cup qualifying match against Angola in Lagos, midfielder Sam Okwaraji suddenly collapsed near the end of the game. Nigeria was winning 1-0. Despite quick help, he died before reaching the hospital. The cause was heart failure. He was only 25 years old. His death shocked Nigeria and made people call for better medical care at games.

Amir Angwe (1995)On October 29, 1995, striker Amir Angwe, playing for Julius Berger, collapsed during a big cup match in Lagos. He had a heart attack and died shortly after. He was 29 years old. His death was similar to Okwaraji’s and reminded people that medical care at matches needed to improve.

Endurance Idahor (2010)On March 10, 2010, Nigerian striker Endurance Idahor collapsed during a league game in Sudan. He fell without being hit and died before getting to the hospital. The cause was heart failure. He was just 25. His death raised concerns about the health checks footballers get before playing.

David Oniya (2015)On June 13, 2015, defender David Oniya collapsed only three minutes into a friendly match in Malaysia. He never woke up. The team said he had a heart attack and did not get oxygen for several minutes. His death caused criticism because the ambulance was slow and the medical help was not good enough.

Chineme Martins (2020)The most recent case was Chineme Martins from Nasarawa United. On March 8, 2020, he collapsed during a Nigerian league match. Doctors tried to save him on the field, but he died in the hospital. Witnesses said the medical team was not ready and did not have the right equipment, making the situation worse.