Joe Appiah, former player for the then IICC Shooting Stars of Ibadan, died on Saturday morning after a long illness, reports said.

The Ghanain star player, who was based in Nigeria, died at a private hospital located on Ososami street in Ibadan and is survived by a wife and four children.

Appiah, who was a member of the historic African Winners Cup team in 1976, was one of nearly a dozen Ghanain players who migrated to Nigeria. He was sick for months, suffering from Liver Ciroses, reports said, and his situation was said to have worsened due to inadequate finances for medical treatment.

Last month, the Punch reported that club managers had paid a visit to the ailing footballer with some much needed financial relief. The report noted: “His friends have been appealing for help from the club and the Oyo State Government so the visit on Wednesday and the cash donation were relief to Appiah.”

Shooting Stars spokesman Jubril Arowolo disclosed Saturday the 62-year-old Ghanaian died at 3.30 am local time Saturday.

Super Eagles goalkeeper’s trainer Ike Shorunmu expressed shock over the death of the former IICC player.

“I’m saddened by Appiah’s death, may his soul rest in peace,” said Shorunmu.

“We did not tell him about Rashidi’s death so as not to worsen his own case.”

His death has come at a time when the nation is still mourning the loss of African legend, ex-Super Eagles’ striker Rashidi Yekini, who passed away in ill health in Ibadan.