NPFL tragedy: NFF suspends league matches

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has ordered the immediate suspension of all league games across the country, following the unfortunate death of Nasarawa United player, Chineme Martins, at the weekend, National Daily learnt.

Martins reportedly slumped midway into the Nigeria Professional Football League Match-day 23 clash between the Solid Miners and Kaduna United on Sunday.

All efforts to revive him by the medical team of both Nasarawa United FC and the visitors proved abortive. He was later rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Further investigations revealed that his death might have been averted if adequate medical facilities had been available to attend to the late defender when he collapsed.

This prompted the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Mr Sunday Dare, to promise to work with the LMC in a bid to forestall such ‘avoidable’ tragedy.

The NFF has now moved to correct the anomaly while suspending league games across the country indefinitely.

In a statement released on its website, the football body “ordered for the onward suspension of league matches until there is medical equipment compliance at different league venues.

“This decision came after the Ministry of Youth and Sports, in conjunction with the NFF engaged the League Management Company to review the situation.

“As an immediate first step, the NFF has directed that beginning and with immediate effect no further match NPFL league match be played except there is full compliment of the medical equipment and personnel as provided in the NFF Club Licensing Regulations.

“Effective compliance date is Saturday, March 14. 2020.”

All Match Commissioners and the host FA have also been instructed to inspect all facilities at match venues before giving the go-ahead for any match to be played.