Former Nigeria international Promise dies aged 31

Friday Oct 04, 2019. 10:00

Former Nigeria international Isaac Promise has died aged 31, his country’s football federation confirmed.

Promise captained Nigeria at the 2008 Olympic Games as they picked up the silver medal and spent much of his club career in Turkey, though he was most recently at American second-tier side Austin Bold.

His club confirmed the news, with reports suggesting he had collapsed at a gym in his apartment complex in Austin.

“We are sad to hear of the sudden demise of former Super Eagles forward, Isaac Promise. Promise was captain of the Beijing Olympics’ Eagles squad that won silver.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time. May his soul Rest In Peace, Amen,” the Nigeria Football Federation tweeted.

Austin Bold owner Bobby Epstein also paid tribute the player.

“The greatest loss a team can suffer is not on the scoreboard, it’s the death of a fellow teammate,” Epstein said. “On behalf of the Bold organization, we wish his wife, children and family strength and peace as they struggle to cope with his death.”