- Nasarawa United Player Chineme Martins slumped during a match against Katsina United
- The pitchside ambulance that was supposed to convey him to the hospital refused to start.
- He gave up the ghost as there was no adequate medical intervention.
NPFL Player Chineme Martins collapsed after colliding with an opposition player. Meanwhile, in an attempt to rush him to the nearest hospital, the ambulance refused to start. The unfortunate incident subsequently led to the loss of the young defender.
Several Nigerians have been particularly livid about the fact that the ambulance that was stationed for emergency purposes refused to start.
As a matter of fact, the vehicle looked worn out and unfit for a professional football league match.
In one of the pictures circulating on the internet, paramedics were seen pushing the deadwood car.
Below are some of the reactions
Sholaye Opaleye asked how that could be the emergency ambulance when it required pushing to start.
“Sad to read about the avoidable passing of Nassarawa United defender Chineme Martins in an NPFL game on Sunday,” Shola Opaleye posted on Twitter. “And how can this be your emergency ambulance at a professional match if it requires stewards to push to start? We can do better, and we mustn’t lose another life.”
Sad to read about the avoidable passing of Nassarawa United defender Chineme Martins in an NPFL game on Sunday.
— Shola Opaleye (@SholaOpaleye) March 9, 2020
And how can this be your emergency ambulance at a professional match if it requires stewards to push to start? We can do better, and we mustn't lose another life. pic.twitter.com/sw52XgHwFc
Shina Oludare shared a video of some Nasarawa United players in shock and crying hysterically after they learned the unfortunate fate of their teammate.
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
Senator Shehu Sani described Chineme Martin’s death as a tragic and great loss.
“The death of Chineme Martins defender with the Nasarawa United FC during their match with Katsina United FC in Lafiya is tragic and a great loss,” Senator Shehu Sani said “May his soul rest in perfect peace. My condolences to the @thenff, League Management Company, his team and family.
“He subsequently added another tweet saying if it was a player from the English Premier League or La Liga, some people wouldn’t eat dinner.
“If it was one foreign player from Barcelona, Madrid, Chelsea, ManU or Arsenal that died…the whole nation would be buzzing. In fact, some people wouldn’t eat dinner.
The Nigeria Football Federation Wrote, saying “Our thoughts and prayers are with Nasarawa United and the immediate family of their player Chineme Martins who reportedly slumped and died during a league game today in Lafia. We are saddened about this news and we pray for the repose of his soul.”
Nasarwa United described Chineme Martins as a perfect gentleman. “We lost a player today against @fckatsinaunited. A great professional and a gentleman,” The club posted.
We lost a player today against @fckatsinaunited. A great professional and a gentleman. #RipMartins #NasarawaUnitedmourns pic.twitter.com/rWGcJotNqf
— Nasarawa united fc (@NasarawaUnited) March 8, 2020
Katsina United also tweeted a condolence message to their opposition team. “We commiserate with Nasarawa United on the demise of Chimene Martins who slumped and died during our #NPFL20 MD 23 at the Lafia City Stadium on Sunday,” Katsina United posted. “Our prayers and thoughts are with Nasarawa United and his Family. May God grant U the fortitude to bear this great loss.”