The University of the Philippines (UP) community has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of Nigerian student and basketball player, Israel Osamudiamen Friday, who collapsed during a team training session on Tuesday, August 19.
Friday, who was just 19 years old and would have turned 20 on September 6, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital after slumping on the court. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he was pronounced dead.
In a statement, the UP Office of Athletics and Sports Development described Friday as one of the university’s newest recruits and expressed deep grief over the loss.
“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 cause of death is still unknown, and UP has called for privacy for Friday’s family as they grieve. The institution added that it is in close contact with his loved ones and is extending full support during this difficult time.
Standing at 6-foot-10, Friday played as a center and had recently transferred from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he featured for the Scorpions in the Universities and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
His sudden passing comes barely two months after the death of Ashlyn Abong, an 18-year-old National University player and Gilas Pilipinas Youth member, who also collapsed during basketball training.
The tragic incidents have sparked growing concern about the health and safety of young athletes in Philippine collegiate sports.
