By Daily Sports on October 24, 2016

The National Association of Nigerian Professional Footballers (NANPF) has debunked claims making the rounds in military circles that its slain member, Izu Joseph of Shooting Stars of Ibadan was a cultist, describing the claim as an attempt to cover up.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Malachi Ugwuanyi, National Lagal Adviser to the association, expressed concern that the footballer “was shot from the barrel of the guns of the Nigerian military.”

“In the Light of the above, we as the recognized labour union passionately championing the cause of professional footballers in Nigeria are concerned that the said player was shot from the barrel of the guns of the Nigerian Military.

“Consequently, after a careful appreciation of the unfortunate event we hereby clarify the following:

“That we condemn in strong terms the manner Izu Joseph was killed by the military.

“That we debunk heavily with disappointment and annoyance insinuations by some in military quarters that the said player was a cultist and  view it as a calculated and frantic attempt by the perpetrators to exonerate themselves from their grave act.

“That a professional and mercurial player like IZU is too occupied with his career all year round to be robed in with such allegation.

“That the union is in active discussion with the family of the deceased to earthen more facts and other sundry welfare issues.”

The Union further called on the military to accept responsibility immediately for the death of the player “and eschew denials because Sports loving Nigerians will not allow them gloss over the matter.”

The Union also said it has petitioned the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Attorney General of the Federation, Minister for Sports, Nigerian Football Federation, Trade Union Congress, Senate and House Committees on Sports; and urged all Nigerians to join hands in ensuring this matter is not swept under the carpet, and that the family of the slain footballer gets justice and their welfare catered for.

The Union pointed out that the NPFL 2015/2016 season ended with spectacular performances from some clubs, and provided a little space for players to go on break and relax ahead of the new season, but “we were shocked to receive the news of the death of Izu Joseph, a mercurial defender of Shooting Stars of Ibadan.”

•Photo shows late football star Izu Joseph.

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 24, 2016

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