As followers and well-wishers defend hope for Taiwo Awoniyi, who immediately woke from an induced coma after emergency surgical treatment, it reminds us of the painful historical past of Nigerian footballers who lost their lives at some stage in suits.
Awoniyi suffered a serious stomach injury at some stage in Nottingham Woodland’s 2-2 plot with Leicester Metropolis, but his restoration brings hope amid past tragedies.
Here, we rob into consideration 5 Nigerian gamers who confronted identical struggles but tragically passed away on the sphere.
Here are 5 gamers 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.
Persistence 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)
Primarily the most up-to-date case used to be Chineme Martins from Nasarawa United. On March 8, 2020, he collapsed at some stage in a Nigerian league match. Medical doctors tried to keep him on the sphere, but he died in the hospital. Witnesses acknowledged the clinical personnel used to be no longer ready and did no longer maintain the valid tools, making the sphere worse.
