Nigerian football player slumps, dies during match

A young Nigerian footballer, identified as Oyekunle Baaki, known to fans and teammates as Smart, on Wednesday night collapsed and died during a local tournament.

Baaki, 27, was playing for United FC Okeho in the Eleniyan football competition against Accurate FC, Iganna in Okeho, Kajola Local Government Area, Oyo State, when the tragic incident happened.

The incident was said occurred during extra time after the initial 90 minutes ended without any goals.

The young athlete was pronounced dead shortly after efforts to revive him proved abortive.

According to one of the fans: “Before the match commenced, he snapped with some of the players and uploaded them on his Snapchat.

“He was alone, nobody was with him, he just slumped, and people rushed to help him, but he died before they got to the hospital.”

A community youth leader in Okeho, Mufideen Dallax, while speaking with Vanguard, said, “His death was shocking, I knew him to be a kind and resourceful person.

“He was a great and promising soccer star who stood the chance of a better future in his career, but unfortunately, death has killed the dream and vision. He will be sorely missed. He would be laid to rest this morning (Thursday).”