The football community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Nigerian forward Abubakar Lawal.
The 29-year-old, who played for Uganda’s Vipers SC, passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025, after a motorcycle accident on Entebbe Road in Kampala.
Reports indicate that Lawal was en route to a club training session after dropping a friend at Entebbe Airport when the fatal crash occurred.
His sudden passing has left teammates, fans, and the broader football fraternity in deep sorrow.
Lawal joined Vipers SC in July 2022 from Rwanda’s AS Kigali and played a pivotal role in their Uganda Premier League triumph during the 2022/23 season.
This campaign, he had already featured in eight league matches, showcasing his talent and commitment to the club.
Before moving to East Africa, the Nigerian forward enjoyed a distinguished career in the Nigerian Premier League, donning the jerseys of Kano Pillars FC, Wikki Tourists FC, and Nasarawa United. His contributions to these clubs earned him recognition as a skillful and hardworking player.
Vipers SC confirmed the heartbreaking news in an official statement:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning. His body has been transferred to a medical facility for postmortem examination. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time.”
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Tributes have since poured in from the football world, with fans, former teammates, and clubs expressing their grief and celebrating Lawal’s legacy.
His dedication to the sport and his passion for the game will be remembered as his lasting imprint on football.
His passing marks a significant loss not only for Vipers SC but also for African football.
As condolences continue to flow in, the football community stands united in mourning a player who gave his all to the beautiful game.