World football mourns ex-Eagles star Eneramo death

World football is in mourning following the death of former Nigeria international Michael Eneramo, who passed away after collapsing during a local friendly match in Kaduna on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The ex-Super Eagles forward is said to have fallen on the pitch in Ungwan Yelwa on Friday morning after playing the first half of the game. Early reports suggest he suffered a cardiac arrest shortly after the restart.

Eneramo, 40, was highly regarded across Africa and Europe, with standout spells in Tunisia and Turkey, where he built a strong reputation as a powerful and prolific striker.

Confirming the development, the Nigeria Football Federation described the news as devastating, with general secretary Mohammed Sanusi expressing shock and sympathy.

“This is devastating. I am short of words at this moment. I can only pray that God will grant him eternal rest and also grant his loved ones and the Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the loss,” Sanusi said.

The National Sports Commission also expressed sorrow over his passing. The body said, “A respected figure in Nigerian football, his impact on the game will not be forgotten. May his soul rest in peace.”

Tributes have continued to pour in from clubs and federations across the world, particularly from Tunisia and Turkey, where Eneramo enjoyed some of his most successful years.

Eneramo was widely respected for his club career, particularly in Tunisia with Espérance Sportive de Tunis, where he was nicknamed “Al Dababa” (The Tank) due to his physical strength and attacking presence.

The Tunisian giants led tributes, writing on X, “It is with deep sadness that Espérance Sportive de Tunis bids farewell to one of its legends, Nigerian striker Michael Eneramo, who has just passed away.”

“Indeed, to God we belong and to Him we shall return. May God grant him eternal rest.”

USM Alger also paid tribute, saying, “Farewell, Eneramo, and thank you for everything you gave to the club.”

In Turkey, where he played for clubs including Sivasspor, Beşiktaş, Istanbul Başakşehir and Karabükspor, tributes poured in from several sides.

Sivasspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow of the passing of our former footballer Michael Eneramo.”

“He will always be remembered for the battles he fought under our red-and-white jersey. May our late player find mercy from God; we extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”

Beşiktaş wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Michael Eneramo. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Galatasaray also added, “We are saddened to hear the passing of Michael Eneramo who played for multiple clubs in Turkish Süper Lig.”

“Everyone at Galatasaray SK extends their condolences to his family, friends and the federation of Nigeria.”

Istanbulspor said, “We have learned with profound sorrow the news of the passing of Michael Eneramo, who previously wore the jersey of our national team. We wish him God’s mercy; and offer our condolences to his family, loved ones, and the football community.”

Turkish outlet Haber61 described him as a key figure in the country’s football history, noting that he had passed away following a heart attack.

Eneramo also enjoyed a notable international career with Nigeria, earning 10 caps after choosing to represent the Super Eagles despite earlier interest from Tunisia.

He made his debut in a goalless draw against Jamaica in London in February 2009, and scored his first international goal against the Republic of Ireland in May of the same year.

He also featured in World Cup qualifiers against Kenya and Tunisia, scoring his most memorable goal for Nigeria in a 2–2 draw in Abuja.

At club level, Eneramo remains the only Nigerian player to score four goals in a single Algerian league match, achieving the feat against OMR El Annasser in June 2005.

The forward, affectionately known for his power and finishing ability, leaves behind a legacy that stretched across continents, with clubs and federations describing him as a respected figure and beloved teammate.

World football continues to pay tribute as shock over his sudden passing spreads across Nigeria, Tunisia and Turkey.