Tobias Sylvester
A Nigerian-born basketball player, Michael Ojo collapsed and died of heart attack on Friday during a training session in Belgrade, the Serbian capital.
The 27-year-old basketballer was said to have been taken to a hospital in the Serbian capital, but doctors failed to resuscitate him.
Although, the cause of his death were not disclosed, but local media claims Ojo suffered cardiac arrest during the training.
His death was confirmed in a statement posted on the official website of his former club, Red Star Belgrade.
“It is with great sadness we hereby inform the public that our former centre Michael Ojo passed away at the age of 27,” Red Star said.
“His sudden death has shocked the club’s players, staff and management alike, as he won three trophies with Red Star and parted company with the club amicably on June 30.”
Ojo played college basketball at Florida State and started his professional career at FMP Belgrade in 2017 before he joined Red Star the following year.
The Nigerian born spent two seasons at Red Star and became a fans’ favourite. The Belgrade club released him since June 30 at the end of this season.
Ojo was believed to be looking for another team in Europe. but was still training with Red Star until his death.
He won the 2019 Adriatic (ABA) League title, a competition incorporating clubs from the former Yugoslavia, as well as the Serbian league title the same year.
Ojo, born in Lagos and a product of the Tennessee Temple high school, also clinched the ABA League Supercup in 2018.
ABA League commissioner Dubravko Kmetovic said the organisation was “shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Michael Ojo.”
“Ojo left this world too early, but he left an indelible mark on the basketball community. We will remember him as a champion, as a great fighter, a respected team mate and as a respected opponent. During three seasons we had the privilege of enjoying his talent, smile and energy.”
KanyiDaily had also reported how a 15-year-old girl allegedly committed suicide while struggling to cope with the pressure of “lockdown orders” in the US.
