The League Management Company (LMC) has expressed shock and sadness over the death of former Kano Pillars midfielder, Abdul Haruna.
Haruna died on Sunday during a friendly game between Kano Professionals and a select amateur side in Kano.
Chairman of the LMC, Shehu Dikko said he was saddened by the death of the midfielder who had also played for another Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) club, Heartland.
“We (LMC) are saddened by the loss of the player, Abdul Haruna and on behalf of the League Management Company, the 20 NPFL clubs and players, I wish to condole with the management and players of Kano Pillars on the untimely demise of one of their own. We pray for peaceful repose of his soul,” Dikko was quoted as saying on the official LMC website, www.npfl.ng.
The LMC also urged clubs in the top-flight to embark on regular medical checks for their players “to prevent avoidable deaths.”
“While we mourn the player, it is also pertinent that clubs undertake regular medical check-up on their players, especially using the FIFA Medical Commission recommended kits which were provided by the LMC at the start of the season.
“While death is inevitable, we must do all that is humanly possible on our part to manage the health of the players to prevent avoidable deaths,” he said.
Bobsam Elejiko, Amir Angwe, Endurance Idahor, Samuel Okwaraji and Emmanuel Ogoli are some Nigerian players who have collapsed, unchallenged and died during football matches in the past.