Sportlicitors is proud to have represented the family of the late Chineme Martins in a significant legal battle that culminated in a landmark judgment by Nigeria’s National Industrial Court. The judgment held Nasarawa United, the League Management Company, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the match commissioner liable for failures in their duty of care in connection with the player’s death.

The case attracted international attention, with FIFPRO, the global players’ union, supporting the family and the litigation in their pursuit of justice.

The Background to the Case

Chineme Martins, a defender for Nasarawa United, died in March 2020 after collapsing during a Nigerian Professional Football League match at Lafia Township Stadium.

The circumstances surrounding his death raised serious concerns about player safety, medical preparedness and compliance with football regulations. In its judgment, the National Industrial Court found that the relevant football stakeholders had breached their duty of care. The court highlighted the absence of adequate medical facilities and the failure to ensure that the player had undergone the required medical examinations.

The proceedings culminated in an order requiring Nasarawa United to compensate the family, marking a significant development in the legal recognition of player welfare obligations in Nigerian football.

Our Role in Securing Justice

Sportlicitors was formally briefed to represent the family in the proceedings. The case required sustained legal work, careful consideration of the evidence and persistence in pursuing accountability through the courts.

The litigation was also supported by professional collaboration with lawyers from other law firms, whose engagement formed part of the wider legal effort surrounding the case.

One of our lawyers, Tosin Akinyemi, spoke to BBC Sport about the magnitude of the case and the difficulties involved in securing the judgment. His comments reflected the challenges of pursuing a negligence claim involving established football institutions and the wider significance of obtaining a judicial determination on their responsibilities towards players.

FIFPRO supported both the family and the litigation throughout the pursuit of justice. This support was an important part of the effort to secure accountability following the tragic loss of a professional footballer.

Sportlicitors also acknowledges the valuable contributions of the lawyers who, at various stages of the proceedings, played a part in advancing the case towards its successful outcome. Temi Olowookere, Esq., of Garden Legal; Olaniran Akinwumi, Esq.; Serebofa M. Oyege, Esq.; Abiodun Sonaike, Esq., and Pelumi Wole Olaleye, Esq., both of Lithos Legal Consult; Ajibola Bello, Esq.; Sandra George, Esq.; and Reuben Chaku, Esq.

Importance of This Judgment

The judgment has implications beyond the immediate parties. It highlights that responsibility for player welfare may extend beyond the club to other organisations and individuals involved in the administration and organisation of football.

The case brings several important issues into focus: liability of Clubs and even Sports Governing Bodies, Medical preparedness, complaince with safety regulations, and protection of player’s rights.

For Nigerian football, the judgment provides an important reference point in discussions about player safety, competition administration and the enforcement of welfare obligations.

A Milestone for Sports Law and Players’ Rights

For the family of Chineme Martins, the judgment represented an important step in a lengthy pursuit of justice following their loss. For the wider football community, it reinforces the principle that player welfare must be supported by effective safeguards and meaningful accountability.

At Sportlicitors, we recognise the importance of determined legal representation, professional collaboration and institutional support in addressing complex sports-related disputes. This case reflects the role of sports law in protecting players’ rights and holding relevant stakeholders accountable for their legal responsibilities.

Our involvement in this matter underscores our commitment to pursuing justice in sport and supporting the rights of players and their families.

Read the original BBC Sport report: Landmark case finds negligence for Nigerian player’s death.