Nigerian striker Endurance Idahor has died after collapsing during a game in Sudan on Saturday.
Idahor, 25, who played for Al Merreikh club, collapsed during the league game with Al Amal in Omdurman.
He is believed to have died on the pitch after a minor incident in the penalty area of the visiting side.
“It was a normal incident of obstruction,” said the official who asked not to be named as he was not authorised to talk to the media.
“He fell over and now he has passed away. It is a huge shock to Sudan’s whole sporting family.”
The referee immediately halted Saturday’s home game with their rivals Amal from northern Atbara.
The former U-23 international started his top flight career with Nigerian side Julius Berger before joining rivals Dolphins in 2004.
He clinched the move to Al Merreikh in 2006 and was sent on loan to Saudi side in 2008 before returning to the Sudanese side.
Idahor finished as top scorer during his first season in Sudan.
He scored 118 goals in 176 appearances for the Omdurman side.
