By Ademuyiwa Balikis
Friends of late Nigerian footballer Lotanna have launched a GoFundMe campaign to support his grieving family after his sudden death while playing football in Limerick, Ireland.
Lotanna collapsed on the pitch during a match on 18 September 2025 and tragically passed away. His death shocked the local football community, with a minute’s silence observed across the North Tipperary & District League in his honour.
The young father leaves behind his fiancée Roisin, their son LJ, and another baby on the way. He was also a vital source of support for his parents in Nigeria.
To ease the heavy burden left by his passing, Lotanna’s best friend Solomon Anyafulu launched a fundraiser titled “Help Bring Lotanna Home and Support His Young Family.” The campaign seeks to raise funds to bring Lotanna’s body to Nigeria for burial and provide much needed financial support to his partner, children, and parents.
As of now, the GoFundMe has gathered €12,520 from 355 donations, with contributions pouring in from friends, football lovers, and sympathisers across Ireland, Nigeria, and beyond. Solomon, who is organizing the campaign from Germany, assured that all funds will go directly to Lotanna’s family.
Lotanna is being remembered as a man full of warmth, kindness, and love who touched many lives. His passion for football was evident until his final moments, and his family, friends, and teammates say his memory will never be forgotten.
