The sporting fraternity in Nigeria is mourning Enugu Rangers striker Ifeanyi George who lost his life in Sunday in a ghastly car accident.
The 26-year-old, who had two caps for the Super Eagles, was involved in a crash on the Agbour-Onitsha road in Delta State while on his way to Lagos.
Enugu Rangers confirmed the sad news on their official Twitter handle where they went on to blame the player for his misfortune.
“We lost Ifeanyi George this morning. The club will soon come up with a statement soon,” the club Tweeted.
“Ifeanyi George died this morning on his way to Lagos while driving from Enugu.
“He had been injured for the past three weeks with a severe waist pain and was told not to drive even in Enugu.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and several clubs were quick to mourn the player.
“We are shocked to hear of the sad passing of striker Ifeanyi George player of @rangersint. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family and Rangers’ Mgt. May his soul Rest In Peace,” NFF said on their Twitter page.
Dakkada International FC also shared a message of condolences on their Facebook page.
“With a deep sense of grief we write to commiserate with you all on the sad occasion of the demise of one of your loyal players, Ifeanyi George, via a fatal road accident,” the post reads.
“It is a given that this must be a period of inconsolable agony for you especially on account of the sacrificial and selfless services he rendered as reflected on the plethora of goals attributable to him but I entreat you to take solace from the fact that he led a God-fearing life while he was yet amid us here on earth. This breeds the assurance that he has been reserved a place by God’s side in Heaven.
“Therefore, as the light of life extinguishes on Ifeanyi George today, please be further consoled by the wise lines of Irving Berlin, “the song has ended but the melody lingers on”. Let fond memories of the beautiful times you shared with the deceased linger on during these heart-wrenching moments of trepidation.”
Kwara United also paid tribute to the player; “We want to commiserate with all the people and players at Rangers over their loss and we pray that God should give the family of George the fortitude to bear the loss,” the club explained in a statement
“It is so sad hearing this type of news and we share in your pains because we are in the same brotherhood. Please accept our condolence.”
Ifeanyi joined Enugu Rangers at the start of 2017, scoring his maiden goal against Kano Pillars in a Nigeria Professional Football League outing on 3rd April.
The forward was part of Rangers squad for this season’s CAF Confederation Cup and scored in the 1-1 draw against Al Masry at Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.
