Footballer slumps, dies in Kogi

A footballer with Barnet FC in Lokoja, Kogi State, Segun Idowu, has been confirmed dead after he slumped on the pitch, following a collision with his teammate.

It was gathered that the incident occurred during a match in the ongoing Kogi FA Chairman’s Cup at the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja, the state capital, on Friday evening.

Confirming the footballer’s death, the chairman of the Kogi State Football Association, Suleiman Isah Umar, in a statement issued on Saturday, said Idowu died at the hospital where he was rushed to after he slumped on the pitch.

Umar described the death of the footballer as shocking and painful to the Kogi State Football Association.

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He stated: “We were shocked this morning when we received with a heavy heart the news that Segun, a footballer with Barnet FC, Lokoja who slumped and fell on the field after a collision with his teammate has passed away.

“We were on the field when the collision happened. He was revived and quickly rushed to the hospital. Report coming out of the hospital said he was doing fine and we kept praying all along that God Almighty intervenes, only to get the sad news that he has given up the ghost.

“The entire football family in Lokoja is absolutely sad by the passing away of the promising talent. It was a simple case of collision on the field, but unfortunately Segun has to pass through that path to return to his creator.”

Umar, however, commiserated with the family of the deceased, saying: “God will repose his soul and comfort his immediate and extended family during this trying period, and we pray not to witness such moment again.”

The Star