Kano Pillars Pays Nasarawa United a Condolence Visit

By Richard Ajegena

The management, technical committee and the entire playing staff of Kano Pillars paid a condolence visit to Nasarawa United over the death of one of its players, Chineme Martins who slumped and died during one of the Match Day 23 fixtures of the NPFL against Katsina United at the Lafia City Stadium.

Speaking on behalf of the Management staff of Kano Pillars, Alhaji Sirajo in his address said, “I would like to sympathise and condole with the entire football family of Nasarawa United over the death of their player, Chineme Martins.

“We heard a disheartening news yesterday which is unfortunate, we decided to stay over here to condole with the football family in Nasarawa State. We feel sad, though it is the destiny of each human being we pray that his soul should rest in peace .

“We feel aggrieved and disheartening, word can’t explain our mind, but we feel we should have to stay and commiserate with the Governments of Nasarawa state and you (Barr Isaac Danladi) as a father and a leader of the football family in Nigeria because it is not a matter of calling you but rather face to face. We pray that his soul rest in peace.

Chairman of Nasarawa United, Barr Isaac Danladi who was on hand to receive Kano Pillars alongside the Nasarawa State Football Association Chairman, Alhaji Mohammed Alkali.

Barr Isaac Danladi thanked Kano Pillars for stopping by and for also showing love in this time of grieve.

“It is with high sense of responsibility that we receive you this morning on behalf particularly Nasarawa united, I feel highly touch by your esteemed presence this morning.

“I want to place on record that when the incident happened yesterday,your team was the first team to call and sympathise with us on phone.

“And being here this morning physically to commiserate and identify with us and i think this show of love will continue to linger in our hearts for long.

“What happened yesterday at Lafia City Staidium was the saddest day for Nigeria football. It was just a loss to Nasarawa United and League but a loss to football generally in Nigeria.

“Anybody who knows Martins Chineme, I want to say that this is his best season because when we came back as management he was not played but all the five matches we have played, he has done a yooman’s job in the defense, we are going to miss him greatly as you rightly pointed out that in God’s case there is no appeal.

“The game was 45 minutes plus and we had a free kick in the edge of the away team which is Katsina Utd.

“Being a defender he was the last man standing at the back and all attention was in the front, before the free kick could have been taken the Goalkeeper shouted that he was down so effort to revive him and he was taken to the hospital before later pronounced that he passed on.

“It is not only a huge loss to his family but to Nasarawa State.

“Fortunately the Governor was in the field of play yesterday, he had an eye witness account and I believe this is the beginning of so many good things to come as it will be the last of it’s kind.

“We want to appreciate you most sincerely and also congratulate you on the valid one away point you got yesterday, no word can appreciate what you have done.

“And I want to pray that Allah takes you back to your destination safely.

“I want to say that God will not only bless you but also keep the bond together as friend and associate

“We are consoled by your esteemed presence”, Barr Isaac Danladi concluded.

Chineme Martins who was a central defender joined Nasarawa United from FC Ifeanyi Uba and was in his 3rd season with the modest side.