Nigerian Student-Athlete Dies During Training at University of the Philippines

The University of the Philippines (UP) has confirmed the death of Nigerian student and basketball player, Israel Osamudiamen Friday, who collapsed during a team training session on Tuesday, August 19. 

He was 19 years old and would have turned 20 on September 6. In a statement released by the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development, the university said Friday was rushed to a nearby hospital after collapsing, but despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away. 

“The University of the Philippines is heartbroken to confirm that one of the newest recruits of its men’s basketball team, Israel Osamudiamen Friday from Abuja, Nigeria, collapsed during practice last Tuesday,” the statement read. 

The exact cause of death is still unknown, and the university has requested privacy for Friday’s family as they mourn. UP added that it is in close contact with the family and is providing full support during this time. 

Friday, a 6-foot-10 center, had recently transferred from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he played for the Scorpions in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL). 

His death comes just two months after a similar incident involving Ashlyn Abong, an 18-year-old athlete from National University and Gilas Pilipinas Youth, who also died after collapsing during basketball training.