Coach Ezindu Okay-Lawrence 

*The world of football is mourning the loss of another promising coach. Coach Farooq Nicholas, a student of the Nigeria National Institute for Sports, on a basic football coaching course, who is alleged to have tragically slumped and passed away during a training session yesterday the 2nd December, 2025. This incident has sent shockwaves through the football community in the federal capital territory highlighting the risks that coaches and players face in the line of duty.*

*Coach Nicholas,  a member of the Jibar football society under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC Football Coaches Council) lost his life suddenly and this has created panic and pain among his colleagues.*

*Unfortunately, Coach Farooq's death is not an isolated incident. In recent times, several football coaches have lost their lives due to sudden health issues, often linked to the high-pressure nature of the sport. One such incident that comes to mind is the passing of an Albanian league coach, said to be around 40years  who also succumbed to a similar fate last month, who was said to have slumped on the touchline, rushed to the clinicas the league game progressed and was pronounceddead before the end of the game which broke his players down and many of them were seen on the pitch throwing themselves downin agony.*

*Football coaching is a demanding profession, both physically and mentally. Coaches often work under intense pressure to deliver results, which can take a toll on their health. I had a personal experience few weeks ago, while on the touchlines screeming a correction and suddenly i felt like one artery by my left neck, popped,  and i could feel my left brain immediate shutting down,  it was only one person within the space that understood what happened, and rushed to help me get to the seats, i was that close, and this experience motivated this writeup.*

*The physical demands of coaching, including standing for long periods, shouting instructions, and managing stress, can increase the risk of cardiovascular issues and other health problems. This is the reason I applauded the recent decision taken by the immediate past manager of Ranchers Bee's Coach Bassey who just weeks after appointment, having noticed some substandard practices of a supposed top-level football club, decided to resign and keep his reputation and dignity intact, rather than, for wanton of a job, stay and at the end his health takes a hit, while administrators who should make work easy for coaches use provisions for other selfish and irrelevant things. Coach Bassey's standard ought to be emulated by many in the industry.*

*The death of Coach Farooq Nicholas serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of coaches in the football industry. According to records, numerous coaches have passed away in recent years, often due to sudden health issues. Therefore,  it has become very important that football coaches take their personal health seriously and engage in constant checks, valuations, and medical examinations to reduce these fatalities, especially in a society where grassroots football is not really sponsored or insured for compensations in the event of sudden deaths as we have now witnessed*

*As the football community comes together to mourn the loss of Coach Farooq Nicholas, it's essential to acknowledge the risks and challenges that coaches face. The Nigerian National Institute for Sports and football authorities must take measures to ensure that coaches receive the support and care they need to perform their duties safely.*

*I, my team FJFA, and all our thoughts are with the family, friends, and colleagues of Coach Farooq Nicholas during this difficult time. May his legacy live on, and may his soul find rest with his maker.*

*Rest in Peace, dear colleague.*

MajorCoach Ezindu Okay-Lawrence (ACFF) 
Grassroots Development Coach/Instructor 
Exco Member, NFCA. 
Fct chapter.
+2348036594617
coachokaylawrence@gmail.coms