Connect with us

Sports

JUST IN: Former Cameroon Football Legend Emmanuel Kunde Dies In His Sleep At 68

Published

on

225 Views

The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

African football has been dealt another heartbreaking blow with the passing of Emmanuel Kunde, one of the continent’s most iconic and revered defenders.

The former Cameroon international died at the age of 68 on Friday, May 16, leaving behind a towering legacy that spanned two golden decades of African football.

According to Yen, Kunde went to bed on the evening of Thursday, May 15, and tragically never woke up. His remains have been deposited at the Yaoundé Central Hospital mortuary, with further announcements expected from his family.

Tributes have since poured in from across the footballing world. Cameroon Football Federation President and global football icon, Samuel Eto’o, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, using tearful emojis to mourn the loss.

Eto’o posted, “I’m just learning of the demise of the Elder Emmanuel Jérôme Kundé, an iconic figure in Cameroonian football, who died at the age of 68. Oh the sadness! It is a certain value of our heritage that is thus cruelly taken away from us.

“I keep with him the memory of a discreet and affectionate man, a figure of moderation and consideration.

He was a fantastic footballer, the control tower in the midfield, the defensive wall the opponent crashed into but also a great playmaker when the team had possession.

Individually, it was a fine passer and a gun with phenomenal power and goldsmith precision.

“In fifteen years as a national team (127 selections), he took part in the two legendary epics of the Indomitable Lions in the World Cup (1982 and 1990), twice winner of the CAN (1984 and 1988).

His long career brought him to France (Laval, Reims) and Gabon (US Bitam) as a coach, even though it is in the Canon sportif de Yaoundé that his name and legend will remain associated forever, as a player and as a coach.

“Praying for the great football family to keep him in your thoughts and my deepest condolences to his nuclear family.”

Nigerian journalist Osasu Obayiuwana also reacted with shock, posting: “This is sad to hear.

What happened?” He described Kunde as a player whose intelligence and physical prowess on the pitch made him a nightmare for even the most lethal strikers.

Kunde’s name commands respect across generations — not only for his impressive list of achievements, but also for the commanding presence he brought to the game.

Renowned for his strength, tactical intelligence, and versatility, he excelled primarily as a central defender but was also effective in a defensive midfield role.

Kunde remains Cameroon’s fifth-most capped player and is also among the nation’s top 10 all-time goal scorers — a rare feat for a defender.

His knack for finding the back of the net, particularly from set-pieces, became one of the Indomitable Lions’ most potent weapons.

He was instrumental in Cameroon’s triumphs at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1984 and 1988 and played key roles in the country’s appearances at the 1982 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.

The 1990 tournament saw Cameroon reach the quarter-finals — the first African team to do so — cementing Kunde’s status as a legend of the global game.

Kunde began his professional journey with Mbankomo FC before playing for clubs such as Canon Yaoundé, Tempête de Nanga-Eboko FC, Provenance, and Olympic Mvolyé.

Following his retirement from active football, he transitioned into coaching, taking charge of teams like PWD Bamenda, Canon Yaoundé, and US Bitam during two managerial spells.

Emmanuel Kunde’s death marks the end of an era, but his impact on African football will continue to inspire generations to come.

Sports

Benue Governor Alia dissolves Lobi Stars FC board

The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

Published

on

By

13 Views

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has dissolved the Board and Management of the state-owned Lobi Stars FC, Makurdi.

Lobi Stars FC were relegated last season after a 27-year stay in the Nigeria Premier Football League, following a run of poor performances.

The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Sir Tersoo Kula, announced the governor’s approval of the dissolution in a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Makurdi.

The move was described as part of ongoing reforms to reposition the club for “greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance” in the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions.

The decision is aimed at repositioning the club for greater efficiency, accountability, and better performance in both the Nigeria Premier Football League and other competitions,” the statement read.

Governor Alia directed that “all members of the dissolved management should hand over all official documents, assets, and responsibilities to the Commissioner for Youth, Sports and Creativity with immediate effect.”

Continue Reading

Sports

Davido Chairs Osun Sports Trust Fund

“Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment. His intervention would attract funds that would impact Osun sports positively.”

Published

on

By

21 Views

Davido and Osun Governor, Ademola Adeleke. Photo Credit: X

The Osun State Government has appointed Afrobeats star, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, as chairman of the Osun Sports Trust Fund.

The government said that the move was aimed at raising funds to transform the state sports sector.

It also reaffirmed its commitment to completing the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium, assuring that the upgraded facility will meet Olympic standards upon completion.

The Guardian Nigeria reports that the state deputy governor, Kola Adewusi, who doubles as the Commissioner for Sports, said the state government under Governor Ademola Adeleke is determined to transform the stadium into a world-class sports arena that will not only host national events but also attract international competitions.

He said, “Ongoing renovation and rehabilitation of the Osogbo Township Stadium to meet Olympic standards — a project that will be completed in the shortest possible time.

“I am pleased to inform you that plans are in advanced stages towards the establishment of the Osun State Sports Commission, which will serve as a central body for sports administration, development, and policy implementation.

“Davido has been appointed to chair the Sports Trust Fund, and he did not hesitate in accepting the appointment. His intervention would attract funds that would impact Osun sports positively.”

Continue Reading

Sports

Dembele returns for PSG after six weeks out

Dembele, 28, has been out since injuring a hamstring while on international duty with France in early September.

Published

on

By

49 Views

Dembele

Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele was on Monday included in Paris Saint-Germain’s squad to face Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League after a six-week injury layoff.

According to AFP, Dembele’s return for Tuesday’s league stage game will come as a welcome boost for coach Luis Enrique, whose side has been struggling with injuries this season.

Dembele, 28, has been out since injuring a hamstring while on international duty with France in early September.

He had been recuperating at a specialist clinic in Qatar and returned to training last week.

He missed out on PSG’s entertaining 3-3 draw against Strasbourg on Friday but could play some role in Germany as the European champions seek to make it three wins out of three in the Champions League so far this season.

Leverkusen centre-back Loic Bade, Dembele’s teammate in the France squad, told reporters Monday there was “no secret recipe” to stopping the PSG forward, calling him “a complete player with several qualities”.

“He won the Ballon d’Or — of course he’s got a lot of quality. He’s good with both feet. I don’t think he’s got a weak side,” Bade said.

Continue Reading

Trending