Ganago's daughter passed away after a brief illess
Nantes’ Cameroonian striker Ignatius Ganago has tragically lost his daughter, aged five, after she passed on following an illness.
After receiving news of her illness, the forward returned to Cameroon, but she had already passed on before he reached her.
Nantes announce the passing of Ganago’s daughter
Nantes have announced the passing and commiserated with their player, releasing a club statement of support and blacking out their social media accounts' profile pictures.
Nantes’ announcement on Twitter reads, “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 are thinking of you Gana
“The Club is with you through this terrible ordeal.”
Ganago has also received condolence messages from other Ligue 1 clubs, including his former teams Nice and Lens who stood with their former forward in his time of mourning.
Ganago to miss Nantes’ Europa League tie against Juventus
There were also messages of comfort for Ganago from clubs outside France, including Cadiz from Spain Juventus, who Nantes are facing in the Europa League Round of 32 on Thursday.
Ganago will certainly miss the match against Juventus after being placed on compassionate leave and it is uncertain when he will return for Les Canaris.
Ganago has been a key part of Nantes’ team this season, playing in 23 matches and contributing directly to seven goals in all competitions for them.
He will be sorely missed as Nantes try to navigate a tricky Europa League fixture at the Juventus stadium, but should be back for the return leg.