OBITUARY
Football World Mourns Tragic Death of 10-Year-Old Nigerian-British Charlton Starlet, Ethan Ade-Oduwale
The global football community is in mourning following the devastating news of the sudden death of Charlton Athletic academy player Ethan Ade-Oduwale, a 10-year-old starlet of Nigerian parentage.
Charlton Athletic confirmed the heartbreaking development in an emotional statement on Tuesday, describing Ethan as a “cherished” and “shining example” within their Under-10s academy team.
“We are devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Ethan Ade-Oduwale, a cherished member of our academy’s U10s team. Rest in peace, Ethan,” the Championship club posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle.
Further tributes poured in from the club’s website, painting a moving portrait of a boy who embodied the spirit of the game with his joy, commitment, and team spirit.
“Ethan’s smile, energy and enthusiasm for football will always be remembered by his teammates and the staff within the academy. From the moment he stepped onto a football pitch at Sparrows Lane, his desire to succeed spread across every session… He will be sorely missed by all,” the club wrote.
Charlton’s Academy Manager, Tom Pell, expressed deep sorrow over the young talent’s passing, sending condolences to Ethan’s parents, Adeola and Esther, and the wider family.
“Everyone within Charlton Athletic’s academy is absolutely devastated. Ethan’s beaming smile will never be forgotten,” he said, adding that the academy would, in due course, announce further plans to honour his memory.
Charlton Chairman Gavin Carter also extended the club’s sympathies. “On behalf of everyone at Charlton Athletic, we are devastated by the heartbreaking news of Ethan’s passing. Our thoughts, heartfelt condolences, and full support are with Ethan’s parents and family,” he said.
A minute’s silence was scheduled to be observed before Charlton’s Boys’ Junior Section match against Co. Londonderry on Tuesday night as a mark of respect.
The sad news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from across English football. Former Premier League club Ipswich Town said, “The thoughts of everyone at Ipswich Town are with Ethan’s family and friends,” while League One sides Northampton Town and Port Vale also posted touching condolences.
As the football community comes to terms with the painful loss, the cause of Ethan’s death remains undisclosed.
Ethan Ade-Oduwale, remembered as a beacon of joy, passion, and promise, leaves behind an enduring legacy in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Spanish fifth-division goalkeeper Raul Ramirez has died at the age of 19 following a collision during a match for his club Colindres, the Cantabrian Football Federation (RFCF) said on Monday.
Ramirez sustained a head injury during Saturday’s game against Revilla, with Spanish media reporting that the impact led to multiple cardiac arrests and left him brain dead.
The RFCF announced three days of mourning and said a minute’s silence would be observed at all matches next week in his memory.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Former Liverpool and Chelsea manager Matt Beard has died at the age of 47, the two Women’s Super League (WSL) clubs announced late on Saturday.
Beard led Liverpool to back-to-back WSL titles in 2013 and 2014 during his first stint at the club, before returning to the side in 2021 and guiding them back to the top-flight after two seasons in the second tier.
He left Liverpool in February, with his last coaching role coming in a brief spell in charge of Burnley between June and August.
“The thoughts of everyone at the club are with Matt’s family and friends at this devastating time,” Liverpool said in a statement.
“Matt was not only an extremely committed and successful manager, he was also a person of real integrity and warmth, who will always be remembered with genuine fondness by everyone he worked with at the club.”
Beard began his managerial career at Millwall before moving to Chelsea in 2009. He also coached West Ham United, Boston Breakers and Bristol City.
-Reuters
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
OBITUARY
Grand master, Danladi Bako pays tribute to the late journalist and football agent, Chris Eseka
Nigerian broadcasting icon, Dr. Nasir Danladi Bako, who masterminded the television programme, Mastesports on the NTA network, has paid glowing tributes to one of the anchors of the programme, Chris Eseka, who was also a former sports journalist and football agent.
In the tribute titled:” A Master Departs for Home”, Dr Bako remarks:
In 1991, at the National Stadium Surulere, after watching a boxing event together, along with Group Captain Brai Ayonote, former Boxing Federation Chairman, I told Chris I wanted him to join Paul Bassey and Sam John as a presenter for my new programme, Mastersports”, scheduled for live transmission soon on NTA 2.
He looked at me and was quiet for a while. I said, “What do you think?”, he replied “But I am not a TV presenter nah”.
I said I will train you, besides even SJ (Sam John) of the Sunday Times is on the show and Paul Bassey.
He then said,”I will do it if you say so”.
“MasterSports” went on air one February Saturday, at noon on NTA 2 Channel 5. Chris became part of the success story.
Always ready to learn, always ready to improve and ever so humble, especially the way he handled fame. He mentored so many sportswriters as well as young footballers and advised even the established stars.
Before 1992, we had travelled severally times together to cover football matches all over Africa, like the Nigeria versus Cameroon World Cup qualifying in Yaounde in 1989.
Same with tournaments like the FIFA U-20 World Cup Saudi ’89 in Saudi Arabia and Algiers ’90 in Algeria.
Chris had the respect of such big-time coaches as Amodu Shaibu and Concord Publisher Bashorun MKO Abiola, and we regularly saw the Pillar of Sports together. Sometimes, without earlier plans, on a normal Saturday afternoon, we could hop into my car and drive to Abeokuta to watch Abiola Babes trade tackles with Leventis United just like that.
In 1994, I arrived in Tunis a day late for the opening ceremony of the CAF/AFCON tourney and couldn’t get a room at Hotel Diplomat, where the team was lodged, Chris opened his doors at room 108 for me to share with him.
I can go on and on about this very reliable friend and brother.
Chris was a committed sports journalist, refined, diligent and professional. When Tony Ubani and Frank Ilaboya of Sportsville gave me an award for Sports some years ago, I dedicated it to Chris.
Rest in peace, my brother. This was very hard to write. Good night, Chris Eseka, one of the Masters!
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- World Cup1 week ago
BREAKING: At last FIFA’s Axe falls on South Africa!
- World Cup1 week ago
South Africa to Appeal FIFA Ruling Over Mokoena Eligibility Case
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Super Eagles Set for Double Friendly Showdown with Venezuela and Colombia in USA
- World Cup1 week ago
Sport Minister Orders Probe into SAFA over Bafana’s Costly Points Deduction
- World Cup7 days ago
FIFA Sanction on South Africa Offers Super Eagles a Lifeline — But a Lesson from History Looms
- U-20 FOOTBALL1 week ago
Two penalty appeal lost as Flying Eagles stumble at first hurdle
- World Cup5 days ago
Super Eagles Walk Tightrope as Nine Key Players Risk Suspension in World Cup Qualifiers
- U20 FOOTBALL17 hours ago
Flying Eagles Bank on ‘Magic of October 8’ to overcome Argentina