The Oyo State government has condoled with the family of Shooting Stars Sports Club central defender, Izu Joseph, who was killed on Sunday.
A statement made available to Tribunesport on Monday and signed by the Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Yomi Oke, described the player as an energetic and brilliant lad who gave his best to the success recorded by the club, adding that the government and the people of Oyo State, especially the supporters, will miss him greatly.
Oke also stated that the government will honour the player and participate in the burial as he prayed for the soul of the player to rest in peace.
Also, the Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has commiserated with the management of 3SC over the unfortunate death of Joseph.
In a condolence message signed by the association’s chairman, Mr Adeniyi Alebiosu and its secretary, Mr Adewale Tijani, Oyo SWAN described the death of the “reliable and committed player” as “shocking and a great loss, not only to 3SC, but also to the football fraternity in Nigeria.”
The association which recalled with nostalgia how the late Izu Joseph, alongside other players helped 3SC escape relegation, reminded sports fans of “the last minute winning goal he scored that gave 3SC victory over Nasarawa United in a Week 26 game of the recently concluded Nigeria Professional Football League”.
While noting that the death of Izu Joseph who was killed in his prime was avoidable, the umbrella body of sports writers in Oyo State appealed to government at all levels to beef up security in every nook and cranny of the country.
The association prayed for the repose of the soul of the late footballer and also prayed that God should give the family of the deceased and the 3SC management the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Meanwhile, the friendly game between SWAN Football Team and their Oyo State Sports Council counterparts scheduled for Wednesday has been put off as a mark of respect for the departed 3SC player.
A new date will be announced later for the game.
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