The minister of youth and sports development, Sunday Dare, on Monday said that the death of Chineme Martins, a defender with Nasarawa United Football Club (NUFC) was avoidable.
Martins had slumped and died on football the pitch at the Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa State on Sunday.
Mr. Dare, who sent out condolences to the family and team of the deceased player, said Martin’s death was regrettably avoidable.
He said, “The death of Nasarawa Utd FC defender Chineme Martins who slumped during NPFL’s Match is sad but regrettably avoidable.
Promising to work with the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) to ensure safety of players on the pitch, Mr. Dare said there was a need to roll out mandatory conditions before matches are played.
“While registering my condolences with team/ family, Ministry will immediately work with NPFL to roll out mandatory conditions before any match is played”, he said.