Former Nigerian captain Isaac Promise who lead the Nigerian 2008 Olympic squad to the final which lost to Argentine in final died. Isaac’s performance at Grays International attracted attention from several big football clubs in Europe. The former U23 captain did trials for Manchester United. The Nigerian international signed for Turkish Super Lig club Genclerbirligi in a three-year deal in August 2005.
Promise Isaac, who captained Nigeria to the 2008 Olympic silver medal and scored 79 goals in 11 professional seasons in Turkey. Isaac played for seven clubs in Turkey, appearing in more than 350 matches. He played a season in Saudi Arabia before signing with Austin Bold, where he had three goals in 20 matches this season.
News of His Death
The news of his death came as a shock to the Nigerian Football Federation. The president of the club, Bobby Epstein, broke the news. “It’s with shock and grief that we acknowledge the sudden death of Promise Isaac. The greatest loss a team can suffer is not on the scoreboard, it’s the death of a fellow teammate. On behalf of the BOLD organization; we wish his wife, children and family strength and peace as they struggle to cope with his death.”
Everysport gathered that he featured in the last league game played on Sunday which they won 1–2 and he did a WhatsApp chat with Wise Kester Tuesday. In the chat he was wishing Wise a happy independence and new month. He suffered a heart attack in his apartment gym in Austin, Texas and died.
His Legacy
Isaac Promise is remembered for his humility and contributions to grass-root football. Dara Football Academy in Kubwa (Abuja) described him as one player they are looking up to. The skipper of the Academy Bobby Dikko said “Senior man (Isaac Promise) was humble to the core, he supported us in all ways. He gave us jerseys and balls as well, senior man Promise was an encouragement to us”
Promise died at the age of 31. He is married with 3 kids. May his gentle soul Rest in Peace.
