Martins collapsed and died during a league match in Lafia at age 25. The National Industrial Court described it as “reprehensible” that he played without full medical screening and that no adequate medical facilities were on-site.
A Nigerian court has ruled that Nasarawa United, the league body, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were negligent in the 2020 death of player Chineme Martins.
Martins collapsed and died during a league match in Lafia at age 25. The National Industrial Court described it as “reprehensible” that he played without full medical screening and that no adequate medical facilities were on-site.
FIFPRO, the global players’ union, said its lawyers supported the family’s claim.
The court ordered compensation for Martins’ family.
“The court has spoken… my brother’s safety, health and welfare… contributed to his death,” said Michael Martins.
An NFF report in 2020 confirmed the absence of medical staff, a working ambulance, and that Martins never had an echocardiogram during his three seasons at the club