Players of Nigeria Professional Football League side FC IfeanyiUbah were, on Friday, attacked by suspected armed men on their way to a league match against Jigawa Golden Stars in Kano.

According to a press statement by the club, the incident took place at about 1:30pm, when players and officials of the club, who were travelling to Kano for their NPFL match day six tie, ran into a group of armed robbers dressed in National Youth Service Corps uniforms, at Kabba junction, near Lokoja in Kogi State.

The team’s bus driver was shot, while some members of the coaching crew and players were injured.

The affected members of the team are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed hospital, the release stated.

Ifeanyi Ubah FC management called on the authorities to tighten security around football teams across the country.

“We wish to use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government as well as football regulatory bodies; the Nigeria Football Federation and the League Management Company to further intensify security efforts to ensure the safety of teams who often have no choice than to travel long distances by road, especially clubs owned by private investors, who are made to invest their hard earned money in the growth and development of Nigerian football.

“Conclusively, fans, well wishers, supporters and Nigerians in general are kindly urged to keep the entire management, coaching staff and players of FC Ifeanyi Ubah in their prayers in this moment of despair.”