Group knocks Ondo govt over silence on player’s death

By SEGUN GIWA

A group, Crusader for Peace and Good Governance, has berated Ondo State Government for allegedly keeping quiet over the death a player of the Sunshine Queens Football Club of Akure, Elizabeth Johnson.

This is contained in a statement made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Akure by the Group’s Coordinator, Mr. Ayo Laniyan, on Tuesday in Akure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Johnson had died on Saturday, after training with other members of the team in preparation for their next match in the ongoing Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Premiership.

The group said the alleged silence of the government, four days after the sudden  death of the Goalkeeper, Elizabeth, was unfortunate and unfair.

The group, in the statement, described the action of the government as irresponsible and inhuman and discouraging to other players of the state government’s football clubs.

“The Crusader for Peace and Good Governance, condemned in totality, the action of the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, his Deputy, Mr Lucky Ayedatiwa, for not making any comment or condoling the family.

“The Sunshine Queens FC is owned by the government and it is expected of the state government or the Football Agency to have made a comment or condoled the family of the deceased.

“But up till now, we have not heard anything from the government. It is as if nothing has happened,” the statement read in part.

The group expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased and to the Sunshine Queens FC, praying to God to give the family the fortitude to bear the loss of their loved one.

Meanwhile, the state chapter of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commiserated with the Sunshine Queens FC over the death of its goalkeeper.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman and Secretary of the Association, Wahab Bankole, and Segun Giwa, respectively.

“To hear of the sudden demise of such a player is saddening to all members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Ondo State. We share the pains of the Ondo State Football Agency, particularly Sunshine Queens FC at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Elizabeth,” the statement said. (NAN)