The University of the Philippines has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Nigerian student-athlete, Israel Osamudiame Friday, who collapsed during a basketball practice session.

The 19-year-old, standing 6 feet 10 inches tall and playing the center position, reportedly slumped on Tuesday, August 19, while training with the UP men’s basketball team. Efforts were immediately made to rush him to a nearby hospital, but despite medical intervention, he could not be revived.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the university expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy. School officials said the cause of death has yet to be determined, adding that they are in contact with Friday’s family to provide all possible support during the difficult period. The institution also appealed for privacy for the grieving family.

Friday, originally from Abuja, Nigeria, had only recently transferred to the University of the Philippines. He previously studied and played basketball at Centro Escolar University, where he was part of the CEU Scorpions competing in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League. His move to UP had been seen as a promising step in his career as a student-athlete.

The incident comes just two months after a similar tragedy shocked the Philippine basketball community. In June, 18-year-old Ashlyn Abong, a National University student-athlete and member of the Gilas Pilipinas Youth program, also collapsed and died during training. Friday’s death has now reignited concerns about the health and safety of young athletes in the country.

The university community, basketball teammates, and fellow students have been left devastated by the loss of the young Nigerian athlete, whose potential was widely recognized both on and off the court.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has etched his name further into football history by being crowned the PFA Men’s Player of the Year for 2024/25. The Egyptian star became the first-ever player to win the award three times after a campaign that saw him score 29 goals and register 18 assists under new manager Arne Slot.

Salah’s performances were pivotal in Liverpool’s title-winning season, and his peers’ recognition adds to a glittering individual resume that already includes three Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year awards.

Caldentey Shines in the Women’s Game

Arsenal’s Mariona Caldentey was named PFA Women’s Player of the Year following a remarkable debut season in England. The Spanish international, who joined from Barcelona last summer, netted 19 goals across all competitions and played a decisive role in Arsenal’s Champions League triumph, scoring eight times on the European stage, including key strikes against her former club.

Rising Stars Recognised

The PFA also celebrated emerging talents. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers was awarded the Men’s Young Player of the Year after a breakthrough season that earned him an England debut. On the women’s side, Olivia Smith collected the Young Player of the Year award. The Canadian international, who recently completed a world-record transfer to Arsenal, impressed during her time at Liverpool to earn the accolade.

Lower League Heroes

Recognition extended across the English football pyramid. Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford made history as the first shot-stopper to win the Championship Player of the Year after leading his side to promotion. In League One, Wycombe Wanderers forward Richard Kone claimed the top honour, while Bromley striker Michael Cheek was named League Two Player of the Year.

Teams of the Year

The Premier League Team of the Year included stars such as Salah, Alexander Isak, and Chris Wood in attack, with Virgil van Dijk and William Saliba anchoring the defence. In the Women’s Super League, Caldentey was joined by Arsenal teammates Alessia Russo and Emily Fox, with Manchester City’s Mary Fowler also included in the forward line.

The Championship’s XI was dominated by players from Leeds United and Burnley, while Birmingham City’s promotion push was reflected in multiple inclusions in the League One team. In League Two, Notts County’s prolific forwards David McGoldrick and Alassana Jatta headlined the selection alongside Bromley’s Cheek.

A Night of Celebration

The 2025 PFA Awards not only highlighted the brilliance of established stars like Salah and Caldentey but also shone a light on the next generation of footballing talent across all tiers of English football. The night reinforced the depth, diversity, and quality within the game, from Premier League champions to lower league heroes.

On 19 August 2025, despite elimination from the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, Nigeria rediscovered some pride with a 2–0 win over Congo in their final Group D fixture in Dar es Salaam. Goals from Anas Yusuf (56’) and Sikiru Alimi (93’) symbolized a late resurgence after disappointing earlier performances.

Yet, with Sudan and Senegal drawing 0–0 in Kampala, Nigeria ultimately finished third on three points—just shy of qualification.

Alex Young Oyowah: Bright Spot on Debut

Amid the team’s exit, 20-year-old Alex Young Oyowah emerged as a standout. In his first start, he starred and earned the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award—an impressive debut that signaled his readiness to shine on bigger stages.

Tactical Discipline Under Pressure

Oyowah emphasized that his performance wasn’t just flair, but stemmed from trust in coach Eric Chelle’s tactics and disciplined execution under pressure. His attitude highlighted a refusal to bow out quietly, showcasing a pride-fueled fight that earned Nigeria their only win of the tournament.

A Rising Star for Nigerian Football

His breakout could mark the beginning of a promising international career—Oyowah not only walked away with an individual accolade, but also etched himself onto the radar of Nigerian football’s future stars.

Chelle’s Reflections: Consolation and Caution

Coach Eric Chelle expressed both pride and remorse. He praised the team’s technical ability and fighting spirit during the final match, yet lamented critical mistakes in the first two games, which ultimately cost them progression.

Playing for Honour, Not Survival

Chelle commended his young squad—his “young cubs”—for their resilience. Despite being eliminated, they played the final match for honour and refused to exit without showing their quality.

He also highlighted structural deficiencies, a poorly organized preparation schedule, and a patchwork squad, meaning Nigeria entered the tournament ill-prepared. Oyowah himself was only called up a week before departure, raising questions about planning for future tournaments.

Ngatsono’s Take: Lessons Learned

Congo coach Barthelemy Ngatsono likened Nigeria to a wounded lion that roared at the right moment. His young side lacked focus and was overpowered by Nigeria’s preparation, especially in physical conditioning and ball control.

Ngatsono echoed Chelle’s concerns about readiness, acknowledging that his team’s insufficient preparation was a key weakness. However, he remained hopeful, suggesting that the experience will serve as a valuable lesson for future editions.

This clash between two eliminated teams encapsulated contrasting ends of the development spectrum:

For Nigeria, it was a chance to restore pride, spotlight emerging talent, and underscore the importance of preparation.
For Congo, it served as a wake-up call, emphasizing that talent alone can’t substitute for readiness.

While both teams exit CHAN 2024 early, Nigeria leave with lessons in tactical fidelity, character, and the emergence of a new midfield prospect; Congo depart with painful truths about logistics, focus, and building for the future.