Court Finds Nff, Nasarawa United Guilty Of Negligence In Player's Death

The National Industrial Court of Nigeria has held the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Nasarawa United Football Club, and the League Management Company LMC liable for the death of former Nasarawa United defender Chineme Martins, citing gross negligence in their handling of player safety and emergency medical response.

Martins, aged 23, tragically collapsed on the pitch during a Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL match on March 8, 2020, at the Lafia Township Stadium, and was later pronounced dead.

His death sent shockwaves across the Nigerian football community and raised urgent questions about player welfare protocols.

In its ruling, the court described the circumstances surrounding Martins' death as "reprehensible" and slammed the relevant football bodies for a 'shocking failure to meet basic medical requirements."

Findings from an investigation by the NFF's Adhoc Committee on Safety and Security revealed damning lapses: