The Osun State Police Command has confirmed the death of Adeyemi Adewale, a player for the Ilesa West Local Government Area football team, who collapsed during a football match in Osogbo on Thursday.
The incident occurred during the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match at the Ataoja School of Science. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, Adewale, 29, slumped on the pitch and was immediately rushed to the Osun State University Teaching Hospital.
“Today, (Thursday) while the Adeleke Memorial Cup Final match was going on at Ataoja School of Science, one Adeyemi Adewale ‘M’ 29yrs, a player of Ilesa West Football team, slumped on the pitch,” the statement read.
Doctors at the hospital later confirmed him dead.
The police spokesperson also disclosed that an investigation into the incident has commenced, with the remains of the deceased deposited at the Uniosun Teaching Hospital morgue.
The tragic event has sent shockwaves through the local football community, as stakeholders call for more proactive measures to ensure the health and safety of athletes during sporting events.