The Chairman, Management, Staff and Players of Akwa United Football Club on Monday sympathised with the Management and players of Nasarawa United Football club of Lafia, over the untimely death of Chineme Martins.
The condolence message is contained a statement signed by the Media Manager of the Akwa United Football Club, Mfon Patrick, and made available to newsmen in Uyo on Monday.
Patrick described Martins death as a sad commentary and a big loss to the Nigeria professional football league.
He said player’s death underscores the need to improve medical structures related to match day demands.
According to him, it is unfortunate that he passed away in spite of all efforts to revive him by medical experts.
“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 Sunday.
“The untimely death of Chineme Martins is indeed a sad commentary and a big loss to the entire football family.
“That a young and promising talent could slump and die while playing the game he loved so much.
“It’s unfortunate that Chineme Martins passed away in such a tragic manner in spite of all efforts by the medical personnel to save his life.
“Martins will be greatly missed by his family, friends and the entire football fraternity.
“We at Akwa United pray for the peaceful repose of his soul and for God to grant his family, Nasarawa United Football Club, Nigeria Professional Football League and the Nigeria Football Federation the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss, ” he added.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Nasarawa United defender died on Sunday, after he slumped during their NPFL tie with Kastina United in Lafia. (NAN)