Nigerian Players Mourn Ihelewere

Nigerian players are mourning their compatriot, Henry Chinonso Ihelewere. who died during a pre-season friendly in Romania yesterday.

The 21-year-old striker collapsed and died during a friendly match between his team, Delta Tulcea and Romanian Liga III side, FC Balotesti.

Doctors of both clubs reportedly battled to resuscitate him for about 30 minutes on the pitch without success after he collapsed just 15 minutes of coming into the game.

Former Nigeria’s U-20 stars, Sani Emmanuel and Stanley Ohawuchi, as well as Heartland captain, Chinedu Efugh and Plateau United’s Daddy Maurice, were left in shock over the sudden death of their friend.

SS Lazio striker, Emmanuel, told SuperSport.com he and the late footballer “were together last month,” while Spain-based Ohawuchi said he spoke to Ihelewere via “Skype two days ago” and is shocked to hear of his death.

Ihelewere played for Jos-based team, El-Kanemi Juniors and in the Igbo League with Efugh, who described him as a “small brother.”

“He’s a Jos boy and my small brother. We played together at El-Kanemi, an area team in Jos and even in the Igbo League. I’ve been getting calls about his death since Sunday morning because his family’s residence in Jos is close to mine,” said Efugh.

He was also the teammate of Maurice at Adamawa United.

“I’m sad to hear this. He’s a good guy and my friend. Now I’ll never see him again,” said Maurice.

Ihelewere started playing in Romania five years ago when he joined to FC Farul.

He made around 23 appearances for Delta Tulcea and scored 12 goals in the 2011/2012 season.