BREAKING: Former Super Eagles Winger Is Dead

DDM News

Nigeria’s football fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Super Eagles winger, Okwuchukwu Waobikeze.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the late footballer, fondly called ‘Babaoo’ by fans, passed away peacefully on the evening of Monday, July 14, 2025.

His younger brother, Eli Waobikeze, confirmed the sad development in a heartfelt Facebook post announcing the family’s loss.

According to the post, the former Nigerian international died at approximately 7:34 p.m. Central Standard Time.

Eli expressed gratitude to those who supported the family during his brother’s period of illness and assured that funeral arrangements would be communicated in due course.

Waobikeze, remembered for his commanding presence on the left flank, was celebrated for his powerful left foot and energetic play.

Though his appearances for the national team were limited due to stiff competition in the squad during his era, he remained a respected figure in the local football scene.

He featured prominently for clubs in the Nigerian domestic league, including Sharks FC of Port Harcourt, BCC Lions of Gboko, and Iwuanyanwu Nationale, now known as Heartland FC.

Many of his contemporaries recall his discipline, resilience, and flair on the pitch, particularly during the peak of his club career in the 1990s.

His style of play made him a fan favourite, even as he struggled to gain consistent call-ups to the Super Eagles.

Waobikeze’s death comes on the heels of another major loss for Nigerian football, the passing of former national team goalkeeper and captain, Peter Rufai.

The back-to-back deaths have left many fans and former players reflecting on the contributions of these sports icons and the void their departures have created.

Tributes have continued to pour in from various quarters, with former teammates and fans sharing fond memories of Waobikeze’s time on the field.

Sports analysts note that his generation of players helped build the foundation for Nigeria’s football dominance in Africa during the 1990s and early 2000s.

Though he never reached the heights of global football stardom, Waobikeze’s dedication to the game left a lasting impression on domestic football lovers.

His death adds to the growing list of ex-footballers whose careers helped shape the rich legacy of Nigerian football but who now pass away with little national recognition.

Calls have once again resurfaced for the government and the Nigeria Football Federation to establish a comprehensive welfare system for retired footballers who served the nation.

Waobikeze’s passing is being described not just as the end of a life, but the closing of a chapter in Nigerian football history that deserves deeper national reflection.

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