Former Nigeria international Daniel Daudu has died in a car accident in Indianapolis, United States on Friday.
Indiana Police confirmed the ex-University of Indianapolis player died when a large part broke off the rear of a northbound semitractor-trailer and struck Daudu, who represented Nigeria at the 2007 FIBA U20 Championship in Serbia.
According to Indiana State Police, the crash happened near the I-465 ramps on the city’s south side. One of the trailers rolled into the southbound lanes, hitting the car which the late Daniel was driving in the opposite direction and was pronounced dead at the scene by the Indiana State Police trooper.
The leadership of the Nigeria Basketball Federation led by Engineer Musa Kida has expressed deep shock over the death of Daniel Daudu. Reacting on behalf of the Nigeria basketball family, Kida described the circumstance leading to the death of the 28 year old who grew up at the Police College in Ikeja as shocking.
“It’s a sad feeling to lose somebody so close no matter the age. Losing Daniel at the age of 28 and the circumstance which it happened is something that has left us all in shock. We just have to take solace in him and also rally round his family at this trying period to provide the needed emotional support to weather the storm.”
A member of the NBBF board Col Samuel Ahmedu (rtd)described the demise of the former Dodan Warriors player as a sad one. “Life is full of surprises, pleasant and cruel ones. The demise of Daniel Daudu is a cruel one. There are many good basketball players but only a few Daniel Daudus.”
The founder of Dodan Warriors Basketball Programme urged friends and family members of the Daudus and the entire basketball family to remain strong despite the cruelty and brevity of life.
Meanwhile, the Players Representative on the NBBF board, Ejike Ugboaja alongside some US based national team players and basketball fans will be visiting the family of the deceased in Indiana.
