Nasarawa United’s Martins slumps, dies

By Taofeek Babalola

Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins slumped on the pitch during yesterday’s Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) clash against Katsina United at the Lafia City Stadium, Nasarawa State and was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports.

Sportinglens.blogspot.com reports that the incident happened towards the end of the second half of the encounter when a corner kick was about to be taken by the visitors.

He was rushed to the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia where he was confirmed dead.

“The incident happened towards the end of the second half when the players were waiting for a corner kick to be taken. As a defender, he was waiting to perform his duties when he collapsed while standing alone before the corner kick was taken.

“The players very closed to him tried to apply pressure on his chest before the medical team took over, and he was taken to the hospital. But we later heard about his death,” one of the club's fans told Sportinglens.blogspot.com.

He added:“It was a really sad moment for us because Martins was a very reliable and dedicated player. He gave his best for the team.”

Although, Nasarawa United defeated Katsina United 3-0 as Chinedu Ohanachom scored a hat-trick in the game, but Martin’s demise took the shine off the win.

The sad incident happened in the presence of the State Governor Engineer Abdullahi Sule who was at the stadium.

Meanwhile, the League Management Company (LMC) has confirmed the report of the death of Martins.

Chairman of LMC, Shehu Dikko said the league regrets the passing of the young man in his prime.

"We commiserate with Nasarawa United and the immediate family of the late player", Dikko said.

The LMC expects that there would be a standard autopsy to establish the cause of the player's death.

"It is hoped that the findings of the autopsy would inform subsequent measures, if any that has not been addressed by the existing standard procedure", the LMC stated.

Furthermore, the LMC will keep engaging the club and the player’s immediate family to find the best way possible to offer support in this sad moment for the family and the Nigeria football family at large.