The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has directed the League Management Company (LMC) to ensure that henceforth matches in the local league are approved only if the stadia has the full complement of medical equipment and personnel.
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The NFF issued this directive in a statement on Monday following the death of Chineme Martins, a defender with Nasarawa United FC, during the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Matchday 23 game against Katsina United in Lafia.
Martins slumped during the game and was said to have died after the ambulance stationed at the Lafia Township Stadium allegedly failed to move and convey him to the hospital in time.
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While stating its regret over the sudden demise of the Nasarawa United player, the NFF said all match commissioners and host state football associations must inspect all medical equipment and facilities as provided in the NFF Club Licensing Regulations.
The statement read: “The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) regrets the incidence in Lafia involving a player of Nasarawa United and further condole the immediate family of the late player and the football Stakeholders at large.
“The NFF has in conjunction with the Ministry of Sports engaged the LMC and reviewed the situation. As an immediate first step, the NFF has directed that no further match be played except there is a full complement of the medical equipment and personnel as provided in the NFF Club Licensing Regulations.
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“All Match Commissioners and the host FA are to ensure they inspect all the facilities including carrying out test runs before giving go-ahead for any match to be played.”
