Renowned Somali National Basketball Player dies of COVID-19 complications in UK

Former Somali Basketball player, Baana Abdulle Ali on Monday night died in London from COVID-19.

He is the second Somali national player to die from the disease at a hospital in London, UK in less than a month. 

Somali ministry of Sports confirmed the death of Baana terming the player national hero.

“Legend Somali national Basketbal Player, Eng, Baana Ali has died in UK, On behalf of the ministry and Somali government, we extend condolences to Somalia people over the death of the national hero, specifically, we extend our condolences to family and friends,” Somali Sports minister, Khadija Diriye said in a Facebook post.

 According to sources, Baana had been sick for the last two weeks.

 Former basketball player who was in late 40s was the head of external relations of Somali Basketball Association.

Messages of condolences to the family of late Baana continue to trickle in from netizens.

Dozens of Somalis took to social media to eulogize the player.