Adeyemi Adewale, a 29-year-old footballer, tragically passed away after collapsing during the Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Cup match in Osogbo, Osun State.
Bamiji Oladele, media aide to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and chairman of the competition’s organizing committee, confirmed the incident.
Adewale, popularly known as “Maicon,” sl¥mped in the 84th minute while representing the Ilesa West LGA team in a third-place match against the Ejigbo LGA team.
The match took place at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo. Despite being rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Adewale was pronounced d+ad upon arrival.
“The organizers of the late Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke Memorial Cup express deep sadness over this unfortunate incident. We pray for strength and comfort for his family, teammates, and all those affected by his untimely death,” Oladele said in a statement.
The Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Cup, an annual event sponsored by House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam, honors the memory of the late Isiaka Adeleke, a former senator who passed away in 2017.
Adewale’s d+ath has left the Osun football community mourning, as tributes pour in for the talented player who touched many lives through the sport.
