EXCLUSIVE: Henceforth, no NPFL match without paramedics — after player’s death

Following the death of Chieneme Martins, a defender of Nasarawa United, on Sunday, Nigerian Professional Football League matches will no longer be played if there are no paramedics on the ground.

The player slumped while at the centre of the pitch when the match was still ongoing.

All efforts to resuscitate him proved abortive and the ambulance around the pitch was non-functional.

Players and stadium staff were seen pushing the vehicle to kick start it before a bus of the Nasarawa state governor’s press crew was used to convey the remains of the deceased to hospital.

TheCable learnt that after meetings by the stakeholders in the football family, it became imperative to enforce this rule for every NPFL game.

“In meetings and several phone calls last night and this morning initiated by the minister of sports with NFF a decision might have been reached that from next Sunday, no league match will be played without paramedics,” a source told TheCable.

Martins before his death, played for 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.