- Family to conduct autopsy
- Clubs, coaches, others mourn
The Chairman of Nasarawa United, Barr Isaac Danladi has said Chineme Martins who died during Match Day 23 of the Nigeria Professional Football League encounter with Katsina United in Lafia on Sunday was in the best form of his life.
He said this while receiving Kano Pillars delegation who came on a condolence visit yesterday.
“What happened at Lafia city Stadium was the saddest day for Nigerian football. It was not just a loss to Nasarawa United and League but a loss to football generally in Nigeria.
“Anybody who knows Martins Chineme knows that this is his best season, because when we came back as Management, he was not playing, but all the five matches we have played so far, he has done a yeoman’s job in the defense.
“The game was 45 minutes plus and we had a free kick on the edge of the box of the away team which was Katsina United.
“Being a defender, he was the last man standing at the back and all attention was at the front.
“Before the free kick was taken, the goalkeeper shouted that he was down, so efforts to revive him were not yielding any results that was when he was taken to the hospital before later being pronounced dead.
“As a Club, we are terrified by his untimely death. We have held a joint-meeting involving members of Late Martins’ immediate family led by his elder brother, Michael Chineme, the Management of Nasarawa United FC.
“Based on agreement between Late Martins’ family and Nasarawa United FC, an autopsy will be conducted to ascertain the remote cause of his death.
Meanwhile, condolence messages have begun to pour in for the late defender.
Cynosure Football Club Chairman Prince Nwaeze said he is shattered and shocked by the death.
“On our behalf, I wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the family of late Chineme Martins and loved ones, to Nigeria football and Nasarawa United FC family, and express all our support at this painful time.
“Football has lost a remarkable player and a remarkable man.” – Nwaeze Prince stated.
In the same vein, the management of Nationwide League One side, Fosla Football Club, Abuja has expressed deep sadness over the death in a statement.
“As a football club, we commiserate with Chineme Martins family, Nasarawa United football club, players and management over this incidence, the statement said.
The club however asks that effort should not be spared in ensuring full compliance by all clubs in all the league across the country.
Also, the FCT Football Coaches Association have commiserated with their member Nasarawa United coach Bala Nikyu.
“We pray that the Almighty God will comfort you at this moment of grief and grant you the fortitude to bear the loss. We pray that the soul of Chineme Martins rest in perfect peace,” a statement read.
In the same vein, the management of Armed Forces of Nigeria Radio service 107.7fm and its sporting crew Abuja, expressed deep sadness over the death.
“Martins’ demise is a sad one in football and we sympathise and condole with the immediate family, Nasarawa United and entire football family and we pray for the fortitude to bear the loss.
“We urge the management of the various leagues in the country to take effective measures in ensuring that clubs comply with existing medical standards to avoid future occurrences.
Also, the Chairman, Management, Staff and Players of Akwa United said in a statement signed by the Media Manager of the club, Mfon Patrick, in Uyo, that the death of Martins was a sad commentary and a big loss to the country’s professional football league.
He said the deceased’s death exposes the need to improve medical structures related to match day demands, adding that it was unfortunate he passed away despite efforts by medical experts to revive him.
“The chairman, management and players of Akwa United received with great shock the sad news of the sudden death of Nasarawa United’s defender, Chineme Martins who passed on during their NPFL Match-day 23 game against Katsina United in Lafia on Sunday.
Until his death, Chineme Martins who was a central defender joined Nasarawa United from FC Ifeanyi Uba and was in his fourth season with the modest side.
