Nigeria Athletes Commission Mourns Former Nigeria Captain

Nigeria Athletes Commission Mourns Former National Team Captain Jatoo Emmanuel

By Niyi Busari 

The Nigeria Athletes Commission has expressed deep sorrow over the death of its member and former Nigerian national team captain, Jatoo Emmanuel, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Jatoo Emmanuel, who was born on November 7, 1980, and grew up in Jos, Plateau State, passed away on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Before his death, Emmanuel served as an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and was the immediate past Athletes’ Representative on the Nigeria Volleyball Federation board. He was also an active member of the Nigeria Athletes Commission and represented the country at three different All Africa Games.

Reacting to the loss, Chairman of the Nigeria Athletes Commission, Olumide Oyedeji, described Emmanuel’s death as devastating, noting that it came at a time when the Commission greatly needed his experience and contributions.

“It was a rude shock to learn of Jatoo Emmanuel’s passing,” Oyedeji said. “The Commission will truly miss him, and replacing him will be extremely difficult. He was a man full of ideas and consistently offered practical solutions to numerous challenges.”

Oyedeji added that the Commission is deeply pained by the loss and extended heartfelt condolences to Emmanuel’s family.

“We are in great pain that he left the Commission at this time. We pray that God grants his soul eternal rest and gives his family the strength to bear this irreplaceable loss,” he said.