A Nigerian soccer club, its league, and the national federation have been found negligent in the death of player Chineme Martins, the world players’ union FIFPRO announced Thursday.
The National Industrial Court of Nigeria ruled that Nasarawa United, the Nigerian soccer league, and the NFF were responsible for Martins’ death during a match in March 2020.
The 25-year-old collapsed and died while playing for Nasarawa United.
The court deemed it “reprehensible” that Martins played without complete medical testing and with inadequate medical facilities at the stadium.
Nasarawa United has been ordered to compensate Martins’ family.
A report on the NFF website revealed the club lacked a medical doctor, physiotherapist, and a functional ambulance at the game.
Furthermore, Martins never had necessary heart tests during his three seasons with the club. FIFPRO lawyers assisted Martins’ family in their negligence claim.
