Nigerian Student Basketball Player Dies During Training

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.