Ex-Nigeria striker Michael Eneramo passes away suddenly during match

Eneramo, affectionately known as "The Tank" for his physical strength and commanding playing style, is said to have completed the first half of the match without showing any signs of distress.

However, just five minutes into the second half, he collapsed on the pitch without any apparent contact, Moroccoworldnews.com reported.

According to early medical reports and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), the suspected cause of death is cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical attention on the field and a swift transfer to a nearby hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The news has sent shockwaves across the African football community and beyond. NFF Secretary General Mohammed Sanusi described the loss as "devastating," while tributes poured in from former clubs and football bodies worldwide.

Tunisian giants Esperance Sportive de Tunis, where Eneramo rose to prominence, honoured one of their most iconic foreign players. Turkish sides including Beşiktaş also expressed their condolences, alongside several other clubs he represented during his career.

Eneramo is best remembered for his prolific spell with Esperance de Tunis, where he scored 65 goals in all competitions, including 51 in the Tunisian league between 2004 and 2010. He played a pivotal role in multiple domestic title triumphs and became a fan favourite during his time in Tunisia.

On the international stage, Eneramo earned 10 caps for Nigeria and scored three goals, including a crucial strike against Tunisia during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.

He later enjoyed spells in Turkey with clubs such as Sivasspor and İstanbul Başakşehir, further cementing his reputation as a powerful and reliable forward.

Eneramo leaves behind a lasting legacy in African club football, particularly in Tunisia, where he remains one of the most respected foreign players to have worn the Esperance jersey.

His sudden passing has left teammates, fans, and the broader football community mourning a striker remembered for his strength, consistency, and enduring impact across multiple leagues.