NPFL stars satisfied with clubs’ response to directive on medical equipment, personnel

The exterior and interior pictures of the ambulance and pilot ambulance stationed at New Jos Township Stadium before the match between Plateau United and Nasarawa United on Sunday, March 15. Photo: LMC Media.
Some star players in the Nigerian Professional Football League, NPFL, have expressed satisfaction with the immediate response to the directive by the League Management Company, LMC, that clubs should ensure that the required medical equipment and personnel were available at venues before matches are played. It will be recalled that the LMC handed down the directive to the clubs following the unfortunate death of 22-year old Nasarawa United defender, Chineme Martins in a recent league match in Lafia. On Sunday, it was observed that most of the centres responded positively to the order from the LMC as ambulances and qualified medics were on standby during matches. Two minutes into the match between Kwara United and Wikki Tourists, Abdulsalam Abdulsalam of Kwara United had his left leg broken but was promptly attended to by medics before he was moved to Ilorin general Hospital for further treatement.

Kano Pillars striker, Nyima Nwagua in a chat with Daily Trust expressed satisfaction with the medical equipment and personnel at the Sani Abacha stadium where his team defeated Jigawa Stars 2-0. “I will rate the medical personnel deployed for our games 100 percent as there was a team of Red Cross with two ambulances also at the stadium. Kudus to the LMC. “Yes even though it’s quite unfortunate that we had to suffer the loss before making all these available,” he said. In the same vein, the captain of Plateau United, Elisha Golbe was also satisfied with the medical facilities deployed during the clash with Nasarawa United. “I think there was serious improvement. In Jos there were two ambulances as well as the required medical personnel to respond to any emergency. “It is sad we usually act only when something tragic like the death of Martins happens,” he noted. Enugu Rangers defender, Isaac Loute, also said while his club has always had a medical team with them, LMC was right to issue such order. “Yes, there was an improvement but this shouldn’t be a topical issue. Football is a game of contact so everybody should know that injuries would be sustained so having medics around should be a priority. On his part, Lobi Stars defender Reuben Ogbonnaya expressed hope the clubs won’t return to their old ways. “Though I didn’t travel for the away match at Heartland, I heard  everything needed was put on ground. “I pray they don’t go back to the old ways. I think God allowed this to happen so that they can sit up,” he said.

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Prince Bawa Joe 

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