Nigerian footballer Abubakar Lawal, who played for Uganda’s Vipers Sports Club, tragically lost his life on Monday, February 24, 2025, following a motorcycle accident on Entebbe Road in Kampala. The 29-year-old forward was reportedly on his way to a club training session after dropping off a friend at Entebbe Airport when the fatal accident occurred. His sudden passing has left the football community in shock and mourning.
Lawal was a key figure in the Ugandan football scene, having joined Vipers SC in July 2022 from Rwanda’s AS Kigali. His impact was immediate, playing a pivotal role in helping the club secure the 2022/23 Uganda Premier League title. This season, he had already made eight league appearances and was expected to play an important role in the club’s ongoing campaign. His commitment to the team, work ethic, and passion for the game earned him the respect and admiration of teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
Before moving to East Africa, Lawal built a strong reputation in the Nigerian Premier League, where he represented several clubs, including Kano Pillars FC, Wikki Tourists FC, and Nasarawa United. His journey in football was marked by determination and resilience, rising through the ranks to establish himself as a talented and hardworking forward. His ability to adapt to different leagues and excel in various teams demonstrated his skill and dedication to the sport.
Vipers SC expressed their deep sorrow in an official statement, confirming the devastating news to the football fraternity. “We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and untimely passing of our beloved player, Abubakar Lawal, who left us this morning. His body has been transferred to a medical facility for postmortem examination. Funeral arrangements will be communicated in due course. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lawal’s family, club fans, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” the club announced.
The news of Lawal’s passing has sent shockwaves across the football world, with tributes pouring in from teammates, fans, and football organizations. Many have taken to social media to express their grief, remembering him as a humble, hardworking player who always gave his best on the pitch. Vipers SC supporters have been gathering at the club’s training ground to pay their respects, highlighting the profound impact he had on the team and the local football community.
Fellow players who had the privilege of sharing the field with Lawal have also expressed their sorrow. One of his teammates described him as “a brother both on and off the pitch, a man who always played with his heart and gave everything for the club.” Others recalled his positive spirit, recalling how he was always willing to motivate his fellow players and uplift the team, even during tough moments.
Lawal’s former clubs in Nigeria, including Kano Pillars, Wikki Tourists, and Nasarawa United, have also paid tribute to their former player. Nasarawa United issued a statement honoring his contributions to the club and Nigerian football. “Abubakar Lawal was a dedicated and talented player whose passion for the game was evident in every match he played. His untimely departure is a great loss to the football community, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him,” the club wrote.
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) also joined in mourning the late forward, expressing their condolences to his loved ones and acknowledging his contributions to football. “We are saddened by the passing of Abubakar Lawal. His journey in football was one of perseverance, talent, and dedication. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this tragic time,” the NFF posted on their official platforms.
As news of his passing continues to spread, football authorities in Uganda have also spoken out about the tragedy. The Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA) acknowledged his impact on Ugandan football, noting his role in Vipers SC’s recent success. “Lawal was a respected figure in Ugandan football, and his contributions will always be remembered. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the Vipers SC family,” FUFA stated.
In the days following his passing, fans have been visiting the club’s home ground to leave flowers, jerseys, and messages of condolence in his honor. Many have expressed their sadness over the loss of a player who gave his all for the club and had much more to offer in his career. A memorial event is expected to be held in his honor, allowing fans and fellow players to celebrate his life and legacy.
Lawal’s untimely passing is a heartbreaking reminder of how fragile life can be. Just days before the accident, he was on the pitch, training and preparing for upcoming matches, full of dreams and ambitions. His sudden departure has left a void not only in his team but also in the hearts of those who knew him and followed his career.
His family, currently in Nigeria, is making arrangements to bring his body home for burial. The process is being facilitated by both Ugandan and Nigerian authorities, as well as officials from Vipers SC. The club has pledged full support to his family, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance during this difficult period.
As the football community continues to mourn, many are calling for better safety measures for players, particularly when commuting to and from training sessions. The circumstances surrounding Lawal’s accident have sparked discussions about the importance of road safety and the need for clubs to provide secure transportation for their players to avoid similar tragedies in the future.
Lawal’s impact on African football will not be forgotten. He was more than just a talented player; he was a dedicated professional who inspired young footballers with his journey. His resilience, hard work, and love for the game will be remembered by all who had the privilege of watching him play.
Though his life was cut short, Abubakar Lawal’s legacy will live on in the memories of fans, teammates, and coaches who witnessed his talent and passion for football. His contributions to Nigerian and Ugandan football will remain a part of the sport’s history, and his name will always be remembered with respect and admiration.
