In a display of respect and solidarity, Vipers Sports Club, a leading Ugandan football team, has pledged to help the family of the late Nigerian footballer, Abubakar Lawal, with the repatriation of his body to Nigeria for burial.

Lawal, fondly referred to as the “Man from Sokoto,” tragically lost his life after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Voice Mall Shopping Arcade in Kampala, where he had been visiting his friend, Omary Naima, from Tanzania.

The club is currently processing the necessary documents to ensure a smooth return of Lawal’s body to his ancestral home in Sokoto, Nigeria, for a befitting burial.

The gesture comes as tributes continue to flood in for the 29-year-old striker, who was instrumental in Vipers SC’s triumphs, playing a key role in securing both the league and cup titles in 2023.

Initial rumors suggesting that Lawal died in a motorcycle accident have been disputed, with police investigations indicating that he fell from the balcony. This discrepancy has raised concerns and calls for a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding his death. Nigerian football captain Ahmed Musa has urged both Ugandan and Nigerian authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly.

Lawal’s former club in Nigeria, Nasarawa United, expressed their grief, stating, “We mourn the sudden demise of our ex-player Abubakar Lawal. May God grant him eternal rest”.

As the football community continues to mourn the loss of this talented player, Vipers SC’s gesture reflects the deep respect and admiration he earned during his time with the club.