Lions forward, Ignatius Ganago, loses five-year old daughter.

Ganago's daughter, it is reported, died due to an undisclosed illness on Tuesday, February 14.

She was said to have been sick for days. It got worse to the extent she was admitted in hospital, before she passed away in Cameroon. Her death plunged the family into deep mourning.

Ganago, received the unfortunate news when his club was preparing to face Juventus in the Europa League on Thursday February 16. He was eventually excused from Nantes' squad.  

According to reports from France, Ganago flew back to Cameroon. It is reported that he however missed her death. He has been devastated since then.

Following her demise, the Cameroon international, who missed Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Juventus in the Europa, changed his profile photo on Instagram to show his daughter.

Ganago’s French Ligue 1 club Nantes have paid their respects in a touching tribute.

In an emotional tweet shortly after the incident, they wrote:  “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.”

Before the Europa League kickoff on Thursday, 16 February, there was a minute silence in the memory of the young child and to show respect for Ganago and his family.

Nantes’ Thursday opponents Juventus, responded to their social media tribute with a prayer emoji.

Several other top flight outfits, have paid respect to sympathize with the Cameroonian footballer.

Ignatius Ganago’s former club Lens whom they face on February 19 said, “Racing [Club de Lens] is in mourning. Touched in the heart by this tragedy, the whole of the RCL turns to Ignatius Ganago and his family in this terrible ordeal on this unthinkable morning.”

Olympic de Lyon on their part said in a post: “We offer our condolences to Ignatius Ganago, and give him all our support in this ordeal, as well as to his family.”

The French Football Federation were not indifferent to the players’ pain. In a statement issued on social media, the y said: “'The FFF presents its deepest condolences to Ignatius Ganago and his family in this terrible ordeal.”

The death of Ganago’s five-year-old daughter happened barely a few days to the striker's 24th birthday celebrated on February 16.

Nantes chiefs have given Ganago off days for him to travel to Cameroon and be with his dear family.