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

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
Kano Athletes Tragedy: Governor Abiodun Supports Victims’ Families with N1 Million Each
This was a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community, and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun commiserated with the government and people of Kano state over the loss of athletes and officials returning home from the just-concluded National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged, Gateway Games 2024.
The Governor also gave N1 million each to the families of the victims as initial support over the loss of their loved ones, totaling N31 million.
The message was delivered on behalf of the governor by a delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele included the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; the state Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka; and the Executive Secretary of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the Gateway Games 2024, Dr Kweku Tandoh.
The delegation was received by officials of the Kano State Government, led by the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdusalam Gwarzo.
: “We know that the Governor is out of the state on Hajj, but we felt we had to be here to show our support to the Governor, the Government, and the people of Kano State in these trying times.
This was a devastating loss for Kano State, for the athletics community, and especially for the families and friends of the individuals who were affected by this tragic incident.
We also pray for the speedy recovery of the other people who are in the hospital at this time, who rushed to the aid of the victims,” said Engr. Salako-Oyedele.
The Kano Deputy Governor expressed the State Government’s appreciation for the visit.
He disclosed that Governor Abiodun had called to commiserate with the government and people of Kano State over the incident on Saturday.
Sports
Kano Mourns 22 Athletes killed in Auto Accident
The athletes were killed near Kuri, about 50 kilometres from Kano while returning from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they had represented Kano at the 22nd National Sports Festival.

The Kano State government has declared today a public holiday to mourn the death of 22 athletes who lost their lives in a tragic auto crash on Saturday.
The athletes were killed near Kuri, about 50 kilometres from Kano while returning from Abeokuta, Ogun State, where they had represented Kano at the 22nd National Sports Festival.
In a statement signed by the Director-General of Media and Publicity, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed profound sorrow and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims.
“On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, we wish to extend our heartfelt condolences over the unfortunate incident that occurred to the brave Kano team members on their way back home along the Kano–Zaria expressway,” said the statement.
The governor described the incident as a dark moment for the state, saying, “It is with a deeply saddened heart that I received the tragic news of the unfortunate incident which claimed the lives of 22 innocent citizens and left several others injured.”
He added, “On behalf of the government and the good people of Kano State, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We mourn with you and share in your grief.”
Governor Yusuf also approved today as a public holiday to sympathise with the victims’ families and called for calm and unity during this challenging time.
He assured that all necessary efforts were being made to support the families and survivors.
Sports
Ex-Super Eagles Coach, Oliseh Gets IFAB Appointment
Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.

Former Super Eagles coach, Sunday Oliseh, has landed a new role with the International Football Association Board, IFAB.
IFAB is the global guardian of football’s laws, responsible for determining the laws of football, shaping the beautiful game for players and fans worldwide.
Oliseh confirmed this appointment via his official X account on Monday.
He wrote: “Thrilled to announce my appointment to the International Football Association Board (IFAB)!
“Honored to contribute to its mission!”Oliseh’s appointment to the IFAB board will see the former Dortmund and Juventus midfielder work with some of football’s most influential figures, including legendary Arsenal boss, Arsène Wenger.
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