The football world is in mourning as Vipers SC forward Abubakar Lawal tragically passed away under mysterious circumstances on Monday, sending shockwaves through both Ugandan and Nigerian football communities.
The 29-year-old player, who was formerly with AS Kigali, died at the Voicemail Shopping Arcade in Bwebajja, Uganda, after reportedly falling from the third floor of the building.
However, the initial report suggested that he had been involved in a fatal accident along Entebbe Road, causing confusion and sorrow among his family, friends, and supporters.
As investigations continue, the details surrounding Lawal’s death remain unclear. Lawal had been visiting a friend, Naima Omary, a Tanzanian national who was residing at the hotel within the mall, when the tragic incident occurred.
Omary, who is currently in police custody as the prime suspect, has yet to provide a clear account of the events leading to the tragedy but she says she had stepped out of the room and went to the game center within the mall by the time of the incident.
In light of these conflicting reports, Nigeria’s national team captain, Ahmed Musa, has expressed deep concern and is now calling for a full investigation into the circumstances of Lawal’s untimely death.
The Super Eagles’ captain, deeply affected by the loss, took to social media to demand justice, stating that the conflicting reports about Lawal’s death have raised serious questions that need to be addressed.
“It is saddening to receive the news of Abubakar Lawal. The news was a shocking one which prompted me to ask further questions and seek clarification,” Musa said in a heartfelt statement posted on Instagram.
“However, we discovered contradictory information about his demise. The first report claimed it was an accident, while the second suggested he fell from a balcony. This inconsistency only deepens the pain of his loss.”
Musa has called on the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) and the Nigerian government to join forces with their Ugandan counterparts to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation into the cause of Lawal’s death.
The captain’s plea for justice reflects the anguish felt by his family, friends, and the football community at large.
“The contradicting reports suggest something suspicious about his demise, and I have been in contact with the Nigerian authorities, urging them to pay close attention to this case,” Musa added.
“I am appealing to the Nigerian Government and the NFF to investigate the incident and work with the Ugandan government to get justice for Lawal.”
In an emotional tribute to the late player, Vipers has announced that a special “Dua” ceremony will be held in his honor at St. Mary’s Stadium, Kitende, before his body is repatriated to Nigeria.
It’s a moment to mourn the loss of a promising footballer, whose future was tragically cut short.
As the investigation continues, the football community holds its breath, hoping for justice for Abubakar Lawal.
His untimely passing is a devastating reminder of the fragility of life, and the uncertainty surrounding his death only adds to the sorrow felt by those who knew him.
