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Ezekiel Otuoma has passed away at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy in Kenyan football and heartfelt tributes.
Former AFC Leopards striker Ezekiel Otuoma has tragically passed away after a prolonged battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
Otuoma succumbed to the disease on Friday night leaving the football fraternity and his loved ones in mourning.
Otuoma’s wife, Rachel Otuoma, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional post on her TikTok page, where she poured out her grief and shared her love for her late husband.
"To my Husband😭❤️ You left a hole in my heart that no one else can fill❤️ the emptyness in my arms reminds me of the love we shared❤️ your love was a gift and i’ll cherish it always," Rachel wrote.
"Though it was soo soon❤️ thats really broke my heart😭 you left on my birthday❤️ it will never be the same again❤️❤️❤️ you never said am leaving or even showed a sigh😭😭😭😭 you never said goodbye😭 in life i loved you dearly in death i love you still in my heart you hold a place that only you can fill😭😭😭," she added.
" It broke my heart to loose you but you didnt go alone a part of me went with you😭😭😭❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ TILL ME WE MEET AGAIN," she concluded.
Ezekiel Otuoma was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2020, a condition that progressively took a toll on his health and ultimately ended his football career.
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The disease, also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), attacks the motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord, causing muscle degeneration and loss of function.
Over time, Otuoma lost his ability to walk and even speak, relying heavily on his wife Rachel for care and support.
Rachel’s unwavering devotion to her husband was evident throughout his struggle.
She took on the role of caregiver, feeding, dressing, and assisting him through every stage of the illness.
At one point during his illness, the football community rallied around Otuoma.
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A local betting company donated Ksh 3 million to facilitate specialized treatment in Germany.
However, despite these efforts and ongoing therapy, Otuoma’s condition continued to deteriorate, and the disease ultimately claimed his life.
Otuoma’s football journey was one marked by passion and determination.
He played for some of Kenya’s most prominent teams, including AFC Leopards, Ulinzi Stars and FC Talanta leaving a lasting legacy on the field.
The news of his passing has sent shockwaves through the football community and beyond.
Tributes have poured in from fans, former teammates, and football officials, all mourning the loss of a player whose life and career were cut short.
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