Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins died after slumping in their Nigeria Professional Football League tie against Katsina United in Lafia on Sunday.
An eyewitness, who was at the Lafia Township Stadium, said the late defender was standing alone when he slumped in the 45th minute.
The match was watched by Nasawara State Governor, Abdullahi Sule.
“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 hospita,l where he was pronounced dead,”
It was gathered that the Peugeot 406 ambulance stationed at the match venue did not start, before the player was eventually rushed to the hospital in one of the vehicles in Governor Sule’s convoy.
“As I speak to you now, we are still at the mortuary, trying to sort out some things. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead,” the eyewitness added.
According to him, the match continued after the defender was rushed to the hospital and it eventually ended 3-0 in favour of Nasarawa United.
“The players were only told about Martins’ death after the game. They could not celebrate the victory as they were all crying,” he said.
Chairman of Nasarawa United, Isaac Danladi also confirmed the defender’s death.
He said, “I am at the mortuary now, it’s not ideal for me to talk to the press when we have not notified the family.”
A video, which was shared on social media after the match, showed players of Nasarawa United crying unconsolably on the pitch.
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.