LAGOS — A 21-year-old Nigerian footballer died on Sunday after collapsing during the first-half of a Premier League match. Ocean Boys defender Emma Ogoli slumped to the pitch in the 39th minute of the home game against Niger Tornadoes in Yenagoa and died on his way to hospital. “Ogoli is dead.
He collapsed around the 39th minute of action and was rushed to hospital where he was confirmed dead,” said Ocean Boys spokesman Eddy Ohis. “It is heart-breaking.
Just when we were getting set to celebrate our first home win in four years over Niger Tornadoes, we now are mourning.” Ohis said an autopsy will be carried out on Monday at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa, southern Nigeria. “I have received the official report from the match commissioner for the game on this very tragic incident,” said NPL official Tunji Babalola. “The player was not involved in any contact.
He died on his way to hospital.” The 21-year-old left-back was in his second season at Ocean Boys after featuring for local rivals Bayelsa United. Ocean Boys, Nigeria league champions in 2006 and FA Cup winners two years later, defeated Tornadoes 2-0 Sunday.
