Chieneme Martins, Nasarawa United player, slumps, dies during match

Chieneme Martins of Nasarawa United FC on Sunday, slumped and died during the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matchday 23 in Lafia.

A source, who was present at the stadium, narrated how it happened to TheCable. The source said the football player slumped at the center of the pitch while play was ongoing.

“Martins was all alone when he slumped while play was ongoing,” the witness told TheCable.

“Immediately that happened, the medics rushed to the pitch to try and resuscitate him but all efforts to do that failed.

“The ambulance also refused to start but the governor’s press crew bus was used to conveyed him to the hospital but he was already died before he was taken off the pitch.”

Prior to his death, Martins had plied his trade with FC Abuja, Gabros, then FC Ifeanyi Ubah before he joined Nasarawa United.

Nasarawa United’s 3-0 win over visiting Katsina side was overshadowed by Martins death as the players, coaches and officials of the club cried profusely after the final whistle.

A similar incident had occurred in 1992, when Samuel Okwaraji slumped and died during a World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos.