The team bus conveying the players, coaches and staff of Sunshine Star Football Club, a Nigerian football club based in Akure, Ondo State was attacked by gunmen on Thursday along Ore -Benin Expressway.
According to Saharareporters, the gunmen shot one of the team ball boys and injured several players and coaches of the team.
The team was traveling to Benin City, Edo State Capital to play this weekend’s fixture against Bendel Insurance in The Nigerian Premier League.
A statement by the club’s media officer Micheal Akintunde also confirmed the unfortunate incident. Akintunde added that the team players and officials were rescued by the Operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps from the suspected kidnappers and rushed the wounded ones to the nearest medical facility.
Akintunde’s statement reads: ‘It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians , especially football lovers that out team was attacked few minutes ago along Ore-Benin Expressway to honor an Elite League tie , against Insurance of Benin , scheduled for this weekend.
“Our ball boy was shot in the horrible attack, Our team manager and other club officials including players are seriously injured .
“It took the intervention of officers of the Federal Road Safety corp that helped rescue the injured officials and the shot individual to a nearby hospital. We hope you join us in prayers.”