Nigerian footballer dies in Uganda

A Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, who transferred from Rwanda’s AS Kigali to Ugandan champions, Vipers, has fallen to death in Kampala, Uganda.

According to the report, Lawal fell from a shopping mall balcony in Kampala, leading to his death.

Ugandan police said Monday they were investigating the death of the player.

Lawal, a 29-year-old striker, played for local premiership club, Vipers.

The police statement said that the footballer fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade early on Monday.

The Nigerian is said to have been visiting a Tanzanian friend staying in one of the residential apartments that form part of the mall.

Channels reports that a friend told police she had left him alone shortly before the fall.

“Authorities are retrieving CCTV footage and conducting thorough interrogations to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident,” police said.

The Vipers Sports Club said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” it added.

Lawal, 29, joined Vipers in 2022 after two seasons at AS Kigali and went on to help the Ugandan outfit win the league title in the 2022/23 season.

He also qualified the team to the group stage of the CAF Champions League under current Rayon coach Robertinho.

He has played 8 league games for Vipers so far this season.