Former Nigeria U-20 Striker Dies In Mysterious Circumstances While Visiting Tanzanian Lady

Tragedy struck the football world in Nigeria when former U-20 striker Abubakar Lawal died in mysterious circumstances following a visit to his Tanzanian friend in Uganda on February 24, 2025.

The 29-year-old, who played for Vipers SC in the Ugandan Premier League, was found motionless and critically injured after falling from the third floor of VSA, a shopping mall in Bwebajja, north of Kampala.

Medical respondents pronounced him dead on arrival after he was taken to a hospital.

Fondly known as “Man from Sokoto”, Lawal was a beloved figure at Vipers SC, having helped The Venoms win the league and cup double in 2023, just one year after signing from Rwandan club side AS Kigali.

Tributes have poured in for the lanky forward, with Vipers SC expressing their grief and shock at his passing:

‘’Abubakar Lawal {Man from Sokoto} was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was incredibly generous. He had a beautiful soul, and we will miss him so much.”

In an official statement, Moses Magogo, president of the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA), paid tribute to Lawal.

Lawal’s immense contribution to Ugandan football will never be forgotten, particularly his pivotal role in Vipers SC’s historic league and Uganda Cup domestic double triumph in the 2022/23 season.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) have also reacted to the incident, with Chairman Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa calling for a thorough inquiry following initial reports of his death in a motorcycle accident.

Lawal’s passing sparked immediate investigation, with authorities reviewing the horrific CCTV footage and conducting interrogations to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.

Police at Uganda’s Kajjansi Division are working to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy, including the striker’s visit to a Tanzanian lady identified as Naima Omary, who was residing in one of the mall’s apartments.

Lawal’s body has since been transferred to a medical facility for a postmortem examination, and funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course.

Meanwhile, club president Dr Lawrence Mulindwa has pledged to assist with the process, following a request from the deceased’s family for the repatriation of his corpse to his hometown in Sokoto, Nigeria.

A public memorial service, including Dua prayers, is scheduled to begin at 4 pm on Thursday, February 26 2025, at Vipers SC St Mary’s Stadium, Kitende.

Vipers’ fans will never forget him for scoring their first-ever goal in the CAF Champions League.

Rest in Allah’s peace, Abubakar Lawal.

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