Ex-Super Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe, dies after brain ailment

Former Super Eagles defender, Yisa Sofoluwe, has passed away after a battle with a brain ailment.

Sofoluwe, popularly known as the dean of defence, was confirmed died on Tuesday evening at the Intensive Care Unit of the University Teaching Hospital, LUTH.

He was diagnosed with mild cerebral atrophy, a brain disease.

Ex-international Waidi Akanni, a close friend of Sofoluwe, told The PUNCH, “Sofoluwe is gone. We lost him this evening. May God rest his soul. We will go there (LUTH) tomorrow (Wednesday) to get his remains.”

Dosu Joseph, an ex-Eagles goalkeeper and Atlanta 1996 Olympics gold medalist, also confirmed Sofoluwe’s death to The PUNCH in a WhatsApp message.

“Thanks for your support, we lost him, another icon is gone. To God be the glory,” he said.

Sofoluwe was earlier admitted at the Prince and Life Medical Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos, before he was rushed to LUTH on Friday, after his medical condition became worse.

Born December 28, 1967, Sofoluwe was a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defender and won 40 caps, scoring one goal for the country.

He was Super Eagles regular left back between 1983 and 1988, playing at the 1984 and 1988 African Nations Cups.

He also played for some of the biggest clubs in the country in his time such as the 3SC and Abiola Babes.