NANTES striker Ignatius Ganago’s daughter has tragically died aged five.
The Ligue 1 side have confirmed that the mourning forward will miss their Europa League match against Juventus on Thursday.
Cameroonian Ganago, 23, flew back to his homeland upon learning of his daughter’s illness.
But, as reported by French paper L’Equipe, she passed away before he arrived.
Confirming the news on Twitter, Ganago’s club wrote in tribute: “FC Nantes is in mourning.
“It is with deep sadness that the Football Club of Nantes has learned of the death of our striker’s daughter, Ignatius Ganago.
“We think a lot of you Gana.
“The Club is with you through this terrible ordeal.”
Nantes also turned their social media profile pictures black as they mourned their striker’s terrible loss.
Clubs from around French football replied to Nantes’ post, sending their condolences to Ganago.
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While Thursday’s opponents Juventus responded with a prayer emoji.
Thursday’s match against the Old Lady is a huge occasion for Nantes and actually falls on Ganago’s 24th birthday.
But the match will now feel insignificant in light of Ganago’s horrific loss.
Ganago is a full Cameroon international with 11 caps to his name.
He missed out on his World Cup dream earlier this season, however, being left out of boss Rigobert Song’s 26-man squad.
Prior to the announcement, Ganago had said: “I am a young footballer but honestly, it is my dream to make the World Cup. From my side, I will do everything possible not to give excuses to the coach for not calling me.”
He has made 28 appearances for Nantes this season, most recently starting Sunday’s 1-0 win over Lorient.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
