Players of FC Ifeanyi Uba were on Friday attacked by gunmen in NYSC Uniform at Kabba junction near Lokoja, Kogi State.
According to the statement issued by the Management of the Football Club, the driver of the bus was shot while some members of the coaching crew and players were critically injured.
The club were said to be heading for Kano to honour Match 6 fixture in a scheduled NPFL match with Jigawa Golden Stars.
According to the statement, nobody died during the attack even as the vehicle was ridden with bullets.
The Management however called on the Federal Government to step in to give protection for football clubs, especially when travelling long distances to honour away matches.
The statement reads:
“This is to inform the general public that at about 1:30pm today, players of FC Ifeanyi Ubah (Anambra Warriors) who were travelling to Kano for their scheduled NPFL matchday 6 fixture against Jigawa Golden Stars ran into a group of armed robbers dressed in NYSC uniforms, operating at Kabba junction, near Lokoja in Kogi state.
“To the glory of God, no life was lost. However, the driver was shot while some members of the coaching crew and players were critically injured. The affected persons are currently being treated and are responding to treatment.
“We wish to use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government as well as football regulatory bodies; Nigerian Football Federation(NFF) and the League Management Company (LMC) 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.”
Source: NewsTrack Nigeria
