LIVE UPDATES
The team manager of Akwa United and a former defender for the Super Eagles, Emmanuel Udoh, has been declared deceased by medical professionals following a brief illness.
This comes shortly after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) confirmed the team’s relegation for the 2024-2025 season. The announcement follows the recent passing of former Super Eagles players, Charles Bassey and Christian Chukwu, who died just hours apart.
Udoh, affectionately known as Bullet during his playing career, passed away on Monday, as confirmed in a statement from the Media Manager of Akwa United Football Club, Mfon Patrick, who clarified that he died in his sleep, dismissing the brief illness claim.
The statement read, "With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Team Manager Sir Emmanuel Udoh KSJ, who left us peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, May 31, 2025."
Late Sir Emmanuel Udoh had a distinguished career as a player for the Green Eagles of Nigeria, Calabar Rovers, and Bendel Insurance, where he played as a right-back. His nickname, Bullet, was derived from his powerful kicks.
After retiring from active football, he served as the Secretary of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association (FA) for thirteen years before becoming the Team Manager of Akwa United Football Club. Under his management, the club won the FA Cup in 2015 and 2017, as well as the Nigeria Premier Football League title in 2021. The details of his funeral will be provided by his family.
We pray for God Almighty to grant him eternal rest and provide strength to his family, loved ones, and the entire football community during this difficult time. Before retiring, the late sports administrator played for the Green Eagles of Nigeria (now known as Super Eagles), Calabar Rovers, and Bendel Insurance as a right-back, gaining fame through the sport.
