Sports
Nigerian defender Oniya dies on the pitch
Nigerian defender David Faramola Oniya has died after suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch during a friendly match for Malaysian side T-Team on Saturday.
The Titans skipper collapsed to the ground just three minutes into the clash with Malaysia Super League rivals Kelantan and could not be revived in time.
The game was abandoned on word of his passing, which could have been avoided if Oniya had received immediate medical attention, according to T-Team chief executive Syahrizan Mohd Zain.
“He suffered a heart attack but it could have been a different story had the ambulance driver been alert,” Mohd Zain told the New Straits Times.
“The driver was at the stands watching the game when Oniya suddenly collapsed and our defender was deprived of oxygen for several minutes.”
The 30-year-old was in his first season at Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium, having joined from Uzbekistani side Neftchi FK in March.