A former international footballer who earned the nickname ‘The Tank’ has tragically died aged 40 after collapsing during a match in his homeland on Friday morning
14:06, 24 Apr 2026Updated 14:14, 24 Apr 2026
Michael Eneramo, 40, has died(Image: Phil Cole, Getty Images)
A former international footballer has tragically died after collapsing during a match.
Michael Eneramo, 40, made 10 appearances for Nigeria during his professional career – finding the back of the net three times, including against Ireland in 2009. However, the former Super Eagle has sadly died while playing in a local match in his homeland.
According to local reports, had played the entire first half before he suddenly collapsed five minutes into the second period. Efforts were made to revive him on the pitch, before he was taken to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead.
Michael Eneramo made 10 apperances for Nigeria(Image: Phil Cole, Getty Images)
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In a statement, Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said: “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.”
He is best remembered for his spell in Turkey – where, nicknamed the Tank, he played for the likes of Beşiktaş, İstanbul Başakşehir and Sivasspor.
Michael Eneramo played his best football in Tunisia(Image: FETHI BELAID, AFP via Getty Images)
However, it was in Tunisia where Eneramo was at his very best – scored 51 goals in 86 league matches for Esperance between 2004 and 2010. It was during this period he became a fringe figure in the Nigerian set up.
He played a part in their qualification process for the 2010 World Cup, scoring in a dramatic 2-2 draw against Tunisia. It might have been bitter sweet for Eneramo, who had contemplated changing nationality to Tunisian before his Nigerian call-up.
Eneramo retired from professional football in 2018 – but he remained close to the game by running a football academy in Kaduna.
Tributes have poured in on social media for the former star, with the Super Eagles tweeted a photo of him with the caption: “Rest in peace Michael.”
“Thank you for the memories and for everything you brought to the club. You will remain forever in our hearts,” one fan said. As another added: “He was an immense player and above all a great man.”
