- Nigerian Basketball Player, Israel Friday Dies During Training
- The 19-year-old collapsed at UP’s Varsity Training Centre.
- He recently transferred from CEU, hailed as a promising young prospect
The University of the Philippines (UP) has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of its Nigerian basketball recruit, Israel Osamudiame Friday.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the 19-year-old collapsed during a training session on Tuesday at the Varsity Training Centre in Diliman, Quezon City, and was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. He would have turned 20 on September 6.
Confirming the incident, Bo Perasol, Director of the UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development, described the tragedy as a devastating blow to the university community.
“UP is heartbroken to confirm that one of our newest recruits, Israel Osamudiame, collapsed during practice yesterday. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away,” Perasol said in a statement.
He added that the institution was in close contact with Friday’s family and was extending its full support. He also appealed for privacy for the grieving family as they navigate the tragic loss.
Friday, who stood at 6-foot-10, was a highly promising forward from Abuja, Nigeria. He recently joined the UP Fighting Maroons after transferring from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he played for the Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
Although he was scheduled to undergo a one-year residency before featuring in the UAAP Season 89, his height, athleticism, and basketball skills had already made him one of the most exciting frontcourt prospects in Philippine collegiate basketball.
