GUNMEN attacked a bus carrying Nigerian top-flight club FC Ifeanyi Ubah that left at least six injured in a horror shooting attack.
The Anambra State side had travelled for just five of the 14-hours for their match against the Jigawa Golden Stars when they were raided.
Footballers in Nigeria have been left in critical condition following a gun attackCredit: Twitter @FCIfeanyiUbah
Armed individuals raided FC Ifeanyi Ubah’s team bus on their way to a league gameCredit: Twitter @FCIfeanyiUbah
The bus driver suffered gunshot wounds while at least five others needed treatmentCredit: Twitter @FCIfeanyiUbah
The bus driver suffered gunshot wounds and at least five others, including both players and coaches, have been left “critically injured,” according to a statement from the club.
Armed robbers were said to have been dressed in the uniforms of the National Youth Service Corps – a program for graduates required to complete a year of national service – when they attacked.
A statement from Ifeanyi Ubah on their Facebook read: “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 … to further intensify security efforts to ensure the safety of teams who often have no choice than to travel long distances by road.”
“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.”
Ubah, otherwise known as The Anambra Warriors, are 10th in the NPFL with eight points from five matches.
Stanley Ike-Richard, COO of the League Management Company, which runs the league, have confirmed the fixture has been moved to Monday.
Nigerian clubs typically have to travel long distances for fixtures, with this latest attack occurring on the same Lokoja road where Kano Pillars were involved in a similar raid.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
