NFF mourns Onyeawuna, Lato, amateur players

The Nigeria Football Federation yesterday expressed sorrow and sadness over the deaths of a former captain of the Senior National Team, Albert Onyeawuna, Kaduna United FC Head Coach Saleh Lato and five players of Nigeria Nationwide League side Bakoji FC of Kaduna, all over the festive period.

NFF’s Assistant Director (Communications), Ademola Olajire, lamented the deaths in Abuja, saying the entire Nigeria football family was grieving over the departures of the great Onyeawuna, Coach Lato and the young players.

“Words are inadequate to express the sadness of the NFF and the entire Nigeria football family over the deaths of these persons. We love them dearly but God loves them much more.

“Our prayer is that the Almighty God will give the families they have left behind, as well as Nigeria football family the fortitude to bear the huge losses and also to grant the departed eternal rest.”

Saleh Lato, promoted to Head Coach of Nigeria Professional Football League side, Kaduna United FC only last week, following the departure of Ben Duamlong, fell ill suddenly and died on Sunday morning in Kaduna.

Five players of Nigeria Nationwide League club, Bakoji FC of Kaduna died in a road crash on their way to a league match against JZ United of Kafanchan in Kafanchan. A number of other players and officials were injured in the accident.