Court faults Nasarawa United for Player’s Death

The National Industrial Court has ruled that Nasarawa United Football Club of Lafia was negligent in the tragic death of its player, Chineme Martins, who collapsed during a league match in March 2020.

The judgment also extended liability to the match commissioner, the Nigeria Premier Football League, and the Nigeria Football Federation, holding all parties accountable for negligence in connection to the player’s death.

This development was confirmed by the global football players’ union, FIFPRO, in an official statement.

Martins, aged 25, died after collapsing on the pitch during a league game, with no adequate emergency medical response available at the Lafia Township Stadium. The court described the situation as “reprehensible,” condemning the club for allowing him to play without completing standard medical tests and in a stadium lacking essential medical facilities.

In response, the court has ordered Nasarawa United to provide financial compensation to the late player’s family, marking a significant step toward accountability in Nigerian football.

The ruling sends a strong message to football authorities and clubs across the country on the importance of player welfare and proper medical standards in professional sports.