‘A true warrior, on and off the field’: Tributes pour in for fallen footballer Otuoma

Former Kenyan Premier League footballer Ezekiel Otuoma who passed away Saturday morning after a long battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), has been described as a gallant fighter, and skilled dribbler of enormous potential.

The news of Otuoma’s death was announced by his wife Rachael Otuoma.

She told Nation Sport via phone that Otuoma died on Saturday at around 1am upon arrival at Shalom Community Hospital in Athi River, where he had been rushed after his condition worsened.

“Lately he has been very weak, we rushed him to the hospital at night (on Saturday) after his condition worsened. Unfortunately, he did not make it,” she said.

Rachael said the body has been moved to Montezuma Monalisa Funeral Home.

The couple lived in Utawala in Nairobi.

Otuoma, 31, played for many Kenyan Premier League clubs, among them AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars, FC Talanta, and the defunct Western Stima.

It is at Muhoroni Youth and Western Stima where Otuoma made his name, attracting the attention of talent scouts with his dribbling skills and football artistry.

In 2015, he was called up to the Kenya Under-23 team. Two years later, he made Harambee Stars provisional squad for friendly matches against Togo and Mauritania.

Because of his speed and fluid ball-handling skills, many had predicted a bright future for the attacker. However, he struggled to reach his full potential.

His last engagement was with FC Talanta.

In November 2020, his football career was cut short after he was diagnosed with MND, a rare condition that affects the brain nerves, causing muscle weakness.

Although the disease eventually confined Otuoma to a wheelchair, his wife Racheal consistently showed up with him at stadiums to watch matches whenever his condition allowed it. He was always in and out of hospital.

Racheal said she stood with Otuoma throughout his illness “since he loved me so much.”

In her post on TikTok announcing the demise of her husband, Racheal said: “To my Husband, you left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill. The emptiness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared, your love was a gift and I’ll cherish it always.”

“Though it was so soon, that really broke my heart. You left on my birthday, and it will never be the same again. You never said ‘I am leaving’ or even showed a sign. You never said goodbye. In life, I loved you dearly and in death, I love you still in my heart. You hold a place that only you can fill. It broke my heart to lose you but you didn’t go alone, a part of me went with you. Till we meet again.” she wrote on TikTok.

On Saturday, many local football stakeholders and clubs paid tribute to Otuoma, while others sent messages of condolences.

“Rest in peace, champ,” Harambee Stars Captain Michael Olunga wrote on X, formerly Twitter. The post was accompanied by a picture of Otuma wearing a Western Stima jersey.

“Otuoma will be remembered for his lethal prowess, which made him a tough opponent to face on several occasions we faced him in his playing days,” read part of the condolence message sent by Kenyan Premier League club Kakamega Homeboyz.

“Batoto ba Mungu is sending love and strength to the family of Ezekiel Otuoma. A true warrior both on and off the field. A fighter has left us, but his memories will remain etched in our hearts forever. Rest in peace, Ezekiel Otuoma,” his former club Sofapaka FC on X.

“We are deeply saddened by the demise of our member and former player Ezekiel Otuoma. Our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and Kenyan football fraternity,” Kenya Footballers Welfare Association wrote on X.

“We join the Kenyan football fraternity in mourning the demise of Ezekiel Otuoma. We will remember him not only for his football prowess but for his smile and the joy that he brought with him every time. Prayers and thoughts to his wife, family, and the whole football family,” KCB FC posted on X.