Nigerians are up in arms after a local player Chieme Martins died over the weekend during a Premier League game.
While most people are quite saddened by Martins’ death, the circumstances of his demise have riled Nigerians up even more.
Martins, a player for Nasarawa United, apparently collided with a player from Katsina United, who they were facing, and lost consciousness.
AGONY! Nasarawa United players in tears after Chieme Martins was confirmed dead after Sunday’s NPFL clash vs Katsina United. Martins slumped following a collision, however, he gave up the ghost stranded as the Peugeot 406 ambulance stationed match venue did not start 😭🕯️😭😭🕯️ pic.twitter.com/PbIms2NkXP
— Shina Oludare (@sportingshina) March 8, 2020
After medics tried and failed to revive the player they attempted to transport him to the hospital in the ambulance at the stadium – a Peugeot 406 – however, the vehicle did not start.
The player was eventually taken to the to Dalhatu- Araf Specialist Hospital in Lafia, Nasarawa State, in a press vehicle but did not make it.
Nigerians took to Twitter to express their anger, with many demanding a probe and sanctions for persons responsible for ensuring the ambulances at the stadiums are functioning.
Peugeot 406. Did not start. OMG!
Dont even know what to think anymore; why do the league organisers find it hard to provide basics for a football game. 💔— Dolapo Oluwa (@dollypee60) March 8, 2020
Nigeria is the WORST place to ever suffer a cardiac emergency because death will welcome the person within minutes. Basic CPR training is lacking even with the so called club medics. A sad day in Lafia and in Nigeria once again
— Prof. Chief Doc Josh (@dr_dannyjosh) March 8, 2020
It’s very sad… Sad because, he was hale and hearty before the game,sad because any other vehicle could have been used to take him to the hospital,sad because there was no doctor on ground to see if there was any first aid.Sad because a family has lost a son,father,brother. Rip
— Drsesan (@em2aogbu) March 8, 2020
They parked an ambulance that is not working for emergency situation.. What exactly is working in this country? God give the family the fortitude to bear the loss
— Adegbemiga alaba (@Gben_007) March 8, 2020
Just sad how little we value lives on this part of the world, there’s nothing professional about the Nigerian league. Lmc is just playing lipservice…really sad!
— Ade (@olayisade25) March 8, 2020
Sad story due to negligence and irresponsibility of some people
— michael baoku (@Mykelbaoku) March 8, 2020
This is so sad, ambulance didn’t start, how do you expect these players to give their all ever? How can the league get better like this?. In 😭😭
— Praiz. (@PrayzzPraise) March 8, 2020
How on earth can we have a football league without the right medical facilities.
Injuries are going to happen on a football pitch. I won’t feel safe has a footballer to play in that league again.
May the soul of the victim RIP….A sad day for Nigerian football.
— OLUOMO OF DERBY 🇳🇬 🇬🇧 (@Oluomoofderby) March 8, 2020
A car stationed at the stadium could not start, and there was no other vehicle that could move him ASAP?
No emergency medical personel at the stadium? A car couldn’t start should be a reason to loose someone.
May his soul rest in peace. Amen.
— E.J. (@Enwagboso) March 8, 2020
Owh dear! Standby ambulance that should be for emergency failed to start? This league should just be suspended! We cannot continue to gamble with the lives of our youths.@LMCNPFL is not ready! My condolences @nassarawa fc.
— Akin Modupe Kolawole (@akinmodupe) March 8, 2020
Naija we hail thee, ambulance didn’t start. Only God knows how long the car has been parked. RIP to the dead
— Uber driver (@tyeenigga) March 8, 2020
The Chairman of the League Management Committee (LMC) in Nigeria, Shehu Dikko said the autopsy would help determine how to best prevent such a situation from recurring.
“It is hoped that the findings of the autopsy would inform subsequent measures, if any that has not been addressed by the existing standard procedure,” Dikko is quoted as having said by The Guardian Nigeria.