Two footballers of Nigeria Women Pro League (NWPL) side Police Machine have died after they were reportedly rammed by a hit and run driver at the close of training on Tuesday evening in Uyo.
Aniebet Ekong and Saturday Glory were reported to have been killed on the spot while Monica Anthony has reportedly been left in a critical condition after an unidentified Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) ran into the group on their way back from training on Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Three other unnamed players were also rushed to hospital with varying degrees of injuries from the incident although their situations are not thought to be life-threatening.
Eyewitness reports suggest the vehicle rammed into the six players in a bid to avoid an oncoming motorcyclist along the New Stadium Road in Uyo.
In a reaction to the incident, chairperson of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Aisha Falode commiserated with the club and the families of both players in a statement on the NWFL website.
“It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of two young players of Pro-League side Police Machine FC. We are all devastated at this tragic passing of Saturday Glory and Aniebet Ekong,” Ms. Falode said.
“The thoughts of everyone at the NWFL are with the families of the deceased, their friends, teammates, the management and everyone connected to the club at this difficult time.”
Promotion chasing Police Machine team had been in camp at their Uyo base and had engaged in a final training session on Tuesday ahead of their departure for Lokoja on Wednesday morning where they are scheduled to participate in the NWPL Pro-League Promotion Playoffs alongside Pelican Stars, Olori FC
Following the unfortunate incidents of Tuesday, the NWPL Pro League promotion playoffs have been shifted to Sunday, 7 October.
