Nigerian Defender, Chineme Martins Slumps And Dies During Football Match In Katsina [Photos]

Nasarawa United defender, Chineme Martins has passed away after slumping during Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) in Katsina State.

Martins was said to have slumped in the second half of the game when Nasarawa United was leading 2-0, against Katsina United at the Lafia Township Stadium on Sunday, March 8, 2019.

The defender was rushed to the Dalhatu- Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia where he was pronounced dead.

An eyewitness, who was at the Lafia Township Stadium, said the late defender was standing alone when he slumped around the 47th minute.

“His team had been awarded a free-kick and he was standing alone in their own half when he suddenly collapsed.

“Other players informed the referee and he was eventually rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead,” he told The PUNCH.

The League Management Company (LMC) organisers of the NPFL also confirmed the death of the defender.

“The League Management Company (LMC) has confirmed the report of the death of Chineme Martins, a defender with Nasarawa United FC, who slumped during the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 23 against Katsina United in Lafia,” the LMC said in a statement on their website.

The LMC in their statement also called for 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 said.

Furthermore, the LMC said it 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.

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