Lawal: Nigeria orders investigation after death of footballer in Uganda

Nigerian authorities have expressed sorrow at the sudden death of Nigerian professional footballer Abubakar Lawal in Uganda and pledged a “thorough investigation" will be carried out.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Mr. Abubakar Lawal, a Nigerian professional footballer, in Uganda," Kimiebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the ministry, said in a statement posted on X.

"We are committed to ensuring that a thorough and transparent investigation is conducted, including an autopsy to verify the cause of death," Ebienfa emphasised.

Lawal played for Vipers Sports Club, a Ugandan professional association football club based in Kitende.

"The Ministry has also directed the High Commission in Kampala to provide all necessary consular assistance to support the family and ensure that justice is served," Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry statement added.

His club, Vipers Sports Club, paid tribute on social media.

"Abubakar Lawal {Man from Sokoto} was a unique person. He had a big heart of gold. He really cared about people and went out of his way to help. He was incredibly generous. He had a beautiful soul, and we will miss him so much," Vipers wrote.

Meanwhile, Ugandan police say they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding Lawal's death, which reportedly involved a fall from a shopping mall in Kampala.

"Kajjansi Police Division is investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of Nigerian national Abubakar Lawal, a professional footballer at Vipers Sports Club, who allegedly fell from the third floor of Voicemall Shopping Arcade on the morning of February 24, 2025," a police statement on X revealed.

According to preliminary reports, Lawal had visited a Tanzanian friend at the mall when the incident occurred.

"Preliminary reports indicate that Lawal arrived at the shopping mall in his vehicle, registration number UBQ 695G, to meet his friend, Omary Naima, a Tanzanian national residing in room 416 since February 20, 2025," the police statement continued.

The police added Lawal was “rushed to Entebbe Referral Hospital, where he was pronounced dead."

Authorities say evidence has been gathered, including CCTV footage, to determine the exact sequence of events.

"Items belonging to the deceased, including two smartphones, a pair of open shoes, headsets, a training kit, and chargers, were recovered from his black backpack," Ugandan police said.