Somalia is in a deep grief after the country lost one of its greatest
football legends of all times, Abdi Ali Sheik Ahmed, who suddenly died at
his home in Mogadishu at 8am on Friday morning, Somali Football Federation
announced.

The late legend had long suffered from chronic diabetes, but was still
very active in the sport and served as the deputy chairman of the Somali
police-owned club [Heegan].

“I last spoke to him on Thursday evening and he was alright. He felt some
pain before dawn on Friday morning and died at 8am. It is really with
sadness to learn about his death” Somali FA senior vice president Ali Abdi
Mohamed said.

Abdi Ali Sheik Ahmed had lent a forceful commitment to the development of
Somali football since 1960. He was one of Ocean stars top players in 1960s
and 1970s.

“I had known him for more than 50 years; we played together in the
National team” said Ocean stars playmaker in 1960s and 1970s Haji Mohamed
Ahmed Olow.

Somali Football Federation president, Abdiqani Said Arab, announced three
days of national mourning and the book of condolence was opened at Somali
Football Federation headquarters, where hundreds of people have signed so
far.

“We are in a deep shock. We lost one of our greatest legends of all times.
We missed a great man, but his legacy will always be with us” Somali FA
president, Abdiqani Said Arab, said adding that the late legend had helped
the revival of Somali football after the country felt into anarchy in
1991.

“With sadness, I am first sending condolence to myself, to his family and
friends and to the people of Somalia in general” SFF president said.
On his side, the chief of Somali police, General Mohamed Sheik Hassan
Hamud, said that the death of legend Abdi Ali Sheik Ahmed, is the most
painful loss in recent years.

“I share the sadness with Somali Football Federation, his family and with
the rest of Somali people” said General Hamud, the financer of the Heegan
Sports Club, the defending champions of Somali National Football league.

Collins Okinyo

Ex- CAF Media Expert. An expert on African football with over 15 years experience ,always with an ear to the ground with indepth knowledge of the game. I have worked for top publications including 7 years at www.supersport.com until i founded www.soka25east.com to quench the thirst of football lovers across the continent. I have trained young upcoming journalists who are now a voice in African football.I have covered World Cup,AFCON,CHAN,Champions League,Confederations Cup,Cecafa,Cosafa,Wafu and many other football tournaments across the World. Founder Football Africa Arena(FAA),Founder www.afrisportdigital.com