Nigerian Footballer Hospitalised After Knife Attack Linked To Racism In Lithuania

Chinonso Jeremiah Obi, a player for FK Dainava, is receiving treatment in hospital after being stabbed on Tuesday.

In a statement, the Lithuanian Football Federation described the incident as racially motivated and confirmed that a suspect has been arrested.

The attack happened while the team was getting ready to travel from Alytus to Taurage for a league game against Tauras in Lithuania’s second division.

Following the incident, the match was postponed.

The federation condemned the attack, saying it reflects badly on the country.

“What happened in Alytus goes beyond any limits of humanity. The person attacked is not only a player, but also a young person who has come to Lithuania, striving for a career, fighting for the honour of his team and contributing to its victories,” the statement reads.

“Such attacks undoubtedly send a dangerous signal to the entire international football community, and it is incredibly unfortunate that there are still people in our country who behave so unpredictably in broad daylight.”

LFF president Edgaras Stankevičius also spoke out against the attack, stressing that racism has no place in football or society.

“Racism has no place in football or society,” he started.

“Every player, regardless of nationality, skin colour, or origin, must feel safe and do what they do best – delight fans in stadiums.

“Football around the world must be a unifying force, not a divisive one.”

He said players, no matter their background, should feel safe while doing their job and entertaining fans.

Chinonso Obi, a 20-year-old forward, joined FK Dainava in February 2025 and recently played in the club’s 3-3 draw against TransINVEST.

His case adds to a growing list of Nigerian players facing racial abuse in Europe.

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