Former Nigeria midfilder, John Ene Okon, died on Tuesday morning of liver problems at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar.

Okon, a CAF licensed coach, until his death was the head coach of Calabar Rovers FC.

He died in the early hours of Tuesday, March 15, which was his birthday. According to reports, he underwent a CT scan last week at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.

He was also a member of the Super Eagles that failed to qualify for the 1990 World Cup before helping Nigeria to a third-place finish at the 1992 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

At club level, he played for prominent sides Calabar Rovers and BCC Lions of Gboko.

The late footballer’s ex-teammates and Eagles stars poured encomiums on him.

“RIP John Ene Okon! It’s such a wonderful privilege to have been on the same side with you and be wowed by your wonderful ability and pleasant personality,” ex-BCC Lions captain, Bolaji Douglas, wrote on his Facebook page.