Former Super Eagles striker Michael Eneramo has died after he slumped on the pitch while actively participating in a friendly match at a primary school in the Ungwan Yelwa area of Kaduna State on April 24, 2026.
He was said to have played the whole first half without any signs of a problem but five minutes into the second half, he suddenly slumped and died on the spot. He was rushed to a hospital but could not be revived.
Eneramo, born on 26 November 1985 in Kaduna, Nigeria, was 40 years old at the time of his death. His passing was recorded on 24 April 2026 in Nigeria.
The striker began his career with Lobi Stars before he was scouted by Tunisian top club Espérance Sportive de Tunis in 2004. He was loaned to USM Alger from 2004 through 2006, where he scored 13 goals in the Algerian Championnat National. Eneramo won the Double in 2007 with Espérance de Tunis and joined Saudi Arabian club Al-Shabab on loan in July 2007 before returning in December the same year.
On 19 January 2011, Eneramo joined Turkish side Sivasspor on a one-and-a-half-year deal. After two seasons with Sivasspor he was transferred to Beşiktaş and then loaned to Karabükspor for the 2013–14 season. During the 2014–15 season he joined İstanbul Başakşehir F.K. on a free transfer.
He also featured for Manisaspor, Al-Ettifaq, and returned to Espérance Tunis in 2018 before ending his club career with Türk Ocağı Limasol, where he scored 6 goals in 13 appearances. In total, he made 262 club league appearances and scored 110 goals.
For Nigeria, Eneramo earned 10 caps between 2009 and 2011 and scored 3 goals. He was called up to the Nigeria national team in 2009 and played his first game on 11 February 2009. In his second game with the Super Eagles, he scored the opening goal against the Republic of Ireland.
After retiring from professional football, Eneramo remained active in grassroots football and was often seen at local pitches mentoring young players in Kaduna. Tributes from former teammates, clubs, and fans have begun to pour in following news of his sudden death. As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Football Federation has not issued an official statement.
