Share

Nigeria premier league suspended after player dies

Nigeria's football federation on Tuesday announced the indefinite suspension of the country's premier league to ensure proper medical support is put in place following the death of player during a match at the weekend.

Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins, 22, collapsed and died during Sunday's league clash against Katsina United at the Lafia Township Stadium in northern Nigeria.

Lack of proper medical support has been blamed for what the country's sports minister described as "regrettable and avoidable" death.

The Nigeria Football Federation said it had "ordered for the onward suspension of league matches until there is medical equipment compliance at different league venues".

Clubs have been directed to ensure there is a full complement of medical equipment and personnel at all match venues by 14 March.

A date for the restart of the league was not mentioned.

The Nigerian league has long suffered from poor funding that has hit medical care for players.

Twenty-three rounds of matches have so far been played in the 20-team championship.

Plateau United lead the standings with 43 points from 23 matches.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
How much would you be prepared to pay for a ticket to watch the Springboks play against the All Blacks at Ellis Park or Cape Town Stadium this year?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
R0 - R200
33% - 1818 votes
R200 - R500
32% - 1778 votes
R500 - R800
19% - 1084 votes
R800 - R1500
8% - 461 votes
R1500 - R2500
3% - 187 votes
I'd pay anything! It's the Boks v All Blacks!
5% - 254 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE