Malik Yahya/
Gunmen opened fire on a bus conveying players of Ifeanyi Ubah FC in Okene, Kogi State, today injuring a player and driver.
NewsmakersNG learnt that the players were on their way to Kano for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) day six fixture when the incident happened.
The two were reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital where they are receiving treatment.
Ifeanyi Ubah FC is scheduled to take on Jigawa Golden stars at the Kano stadium on Sunday.
The club in a statement said the incident took place at about 1.30pm, when players and officials ran into a group of armed robbers dressed in National Youth Service Corps uniforms, at Kabba junction, near Lokoja in Kogi State.
The club management called on the authorities to tighten security around football teams across the country.
The statement reads in part: “We wish to use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government as well as football regulatory bodies; the Nigeria Football Federation and the League Management Company to further intensify security efforts to ensure the safety of teams who often have no choice than to travel long distances by road, especially clubs owned by private investors, who are made to invest their hard earned money in the growth and development of Nigerian football.
“Conclusively, fans, well wishers, supporters and Nigerians in general are kindly urged to keep the entire management, coaching staff and players of FC Ifeanyi Ubah in their prayers in this moment of despair.”
Police are yet to comment on the incident.
0