The Commissioner for Sports in Nigeria's Sokoto state, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed, has requested Ugandan giants Vipers SC to consider signing another Nigerian player to replace the late Abubakar Lawal, following his burial in Sokoto, Nigeria.
Lawal, who tragically passed away on February 24, 2025, was finally laid to rest on March 3 in his ancestral village in Sokoto State. His burial was attended by hundreds of mourners, including family members, football officials and representatives from Vipers SC led by club official Kenneth Muwanga.
Speaking at the burial, Dr. Mustapha Mohammed praised Vipers SC for their support and requested the club to continue their relationship with Nigerian footballers by signing another talent to fill the void left by Lawal.
“Vipers SC has played a very beautiful role since the death of Lawal. We have heard from Mr. Kenneth Muwanga and the Nigerian embassy about the great role they have played, and the amicable stay and peaceful coexistence Lawal had with the club. We wish the club president, entire management, players, and the people of Uganda the very best," Dr. Mohammed said.
He went on to emphasize the strong bond between Vipers and Nigeria.
“To the Vipers’ President, we have heard a lot about what you have done through our Nigerian embassy. We have laid our brother to rest, and there is nothing more we can do. However, we are looking forward to you taking another Nigerian player to replace him. We are already brothers and sisters, and I look forward to you contacting me so we can identify a competent Nigerian footballer to come to Uganda and replace Lawal."
Honoring Lawal’s legacy
Lawal, a key figure in Vipers SC’s domestic double-winning campaign in the 2022/23 season, was an instrumental part of the team that clinched both the Uganda Premier League and Uganda Cup. He also made history by scoring Vipers’ first-ever goal in the CAF Champions League group stages.
The club’s director, Dr. Lawrence Mulindwa, covered all expenses for the transportation of Lawal’s body from Uganda to Nigeria and has pledged to continue paying his salary to his family for the next six months.
His brother, Mansoor Lawal, expressed gratitude to Vipers SC and its leadership for their support.
“It is very unfortunate that we lost Abubakar Lawal. He was the breadwinner of our family. Allah gives and Allah takes. We appreciate Vipers SC and Dr. Mulindwa for ensuring that his body was brought back to Sokoto for a decent burial. We also appeal to the authorities in Uganda to ensure justice is served regarding his death.”
Lawal, known for his discipline, humility and deep religious faith, regularly attended prayers at Masjid Bwebajja during his time in Uganda.
As Sokoto State officials push for another Nigerian player to continue Lawal’s legacy at Vipers, the club’s management now faces the decision of whether to honor the request and extend their football ties with Nigeria.
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