No prior condition in player death, says Nigerian club

Emmanuel Ogoli’s collapse and subsequent death during a Nigerian Premier League game on Sunday was not due to a prior health condition, claim the club.

Ogoli, a left-back with Nigerian club Ocean Boys, collapsed unchallenged to the turf in the 39th minute of Sunday’s NPL game against Niger Tornadoes in Yenagoa.

The 21-year-old was rushed to hospital but declared dead on arrival, while his team-mates recorded their first home victory of the season.

It was initially believed Ogoli passed away from an undiagnosed heart condition, but Ocean Boys doctor Erefa Inengibo said the former Bayelsa United defender had passed medical checks as recently as November.

“The management (of Ocean Boys footballers) is always particular about the condition of our players,” Inengibo told SuperSport.com.

“Even before the season started, we conducted tests on all the players. Emma (Ogoli) was no exception and we found him to be in perfect condition.”

“Last month, he was also at the hospital for routine check-ups and we found him to be fit as fiddle.”

“We ascertained his stamina and endurance levels and the results were satisfactory so this is clearly a shock.”

An autopsy report is expected later in the week.