A Nigerian basketball player, Israel Osamudiame, who was one of University of the Philippines (UP’s) newest recruits for the Fighting Maroons has been reported dead after he collapsed during a team practice session
Penpushing reports that following the sad incident the University of the Philippines (UP) community has been thrown into mourning following the death of the 19-year-old, who would have turned 20 on September 6, 2025
The Director of University of the Philippines (UP) Office for Athletics and Sports Development in an official statement released and published on the Filipino outlet Spin.ph, Bo Perasol, confirmed the heartbreaking news.
“UP is heartbroken to confirm that one of our newest recruits, Israel Osamudiame, collapsed during practice yesterday. He was immediately brought to a nearby hospital where, despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away’, Perasol said.
Penpushing reports that the 6-foot-10 forward had only recently joined the Fighting Maroons after transferring from Centro Escolar University (CEU), where he starred for the Scorpions in the University and Colleges Athletic League (UCAL).
The deceased was expected to sit out a one-year residency period before becoming eligible to compete in UAAP Season 89, while witnesses said he was an active participant in the team’s workout inside the Varsity Training Centre in Diliman when he suddenly collapsed.
Penpushing also reports that the team’s physical therapists immediately administered first aid before rushing him to a nearby hospital, but he was later pronounced dead, but the exact cause of his death has not yet been determined, as medical authorities continue their examinations.
The Director of University of the Philippines (UP) Office for Athletics and Sports Development added that the school community is devastated and will continue to stand by the player’s loved ones during this painful time.
“UP is in close contact with his family and is extending its full support during this difficult time. The university asks everyone to respect the privacy of his family, as they grieve this tragic loss,” he stated.
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