In December 2020, the family of Martins Chineme instituted a lawsuit against Nasarawa United Football Club, the League Management Company, the Nigerian Football Federation, and the Match Commissioner – Christian Mbah. Following the completion of the hearing, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja delivered a landmark ruling in favour of the family of Martins against all the Defendants on April 2, 2025.
Nasarawa United FC was held negligent because they failed to carry out all Pre-competition Medical Assessments required, especially an echocardiogram; they did not have qualified medical personnel or functional medical equipment at the time of the incident.
The club also did not have a life insurance policy for the deceased player, which is against the league’s Rules and the Pension Reform Act 2014.
The other three Defendants were also held negligent because they failed to ensure compliance of the club with the extant Club Licensing Regulations, which could have averted the sad occurrence.
“We are deeply moved by the overwhelming support shown since the court’s ruling — this Foundation was created so that no other family endures what we went through. Today’s achievements are bittersweet reminders of Chineme’s passion for the game and his dedication to his teammates’ well-being. We renew our promise to drive systemic change in Nigerian football, so that safety is never an afterthought.”
The Foundation would like to express its deepest gratitude to FIFPRO for its unwavering support and advocacy throughout the family’s journey of getting justice.