Former Ghanaian international Yakubu Abubakar has died at the age of 36. The former Black Star defensive midfielder, died in a hospital in the southern Ghanaian city Tema on Tuesday October 31st.
Ghana’s FA tweeted “we’re sad to hear the death of former Ghana, Ajax and Vitesse midfielder Abubakar. Our thoughts are with his family. May his soul RIP.”
No cause has been given for the death of Abubakar, who won 16 caps for Ghana. Abubakar started every game as the Black Stars exited in the group stage of the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and played in the qualifiers as Ghana reached their first World Cup – also in 2006.
He won two league championships, in 2002 and 2004, as well as the 2002 Dutch Cup. In the 2002-03 season, he played five times in the European Champions League as Ajax reached the quarter-finals before bowing out against eventual winners Milan. After 89 appearances for Ajax, Abubakar joined another Dutch side, Vitesse Arnhem, in 2004, staying with the club for five years. Abubakar played for Ghana at every level, having represented his nation at Under-17, Under-20 and Under-23 level as well.
Source: News agencies
