07 December 2023 , 18:21
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A Nigerian football team were attacked by gunmen en route to a match.
Sunshine Stars' ball boy was hit by one of the shots and has since been taken to hospital, while multiple club officials - including players and team manager Seun Betiku - have been left "seriously" injured. The Nigerian Premier League side were travelling along an expressway ahead of their game away to Insurance of Benin this weekend when their club coach suffered an attack.
A press release from Sunshine Stars, who are based in the city of Akure, read: "It saddens our hearts to inform Nigerians, especially football lovers that our team was attacked a few minutes ago along Ore-Benin Expressway to honour 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."
Images of the incident show the bus windows shattered by the gunshots. One photo appears to show a shellshocked player making his way off the coach. Sunshine Stars are currently 11th in the league table after 12 matches, having collected 16 points.
Sunshine Stars had their team bus attacked by gunmen (@BolanleCole/Twitter)Sunshine Stars were looking to build upon their 1-0 derby victory over Shooting Stars last time out, which pulled them away from the relegation zone. Following the win, head coach Edith Agoye said: "A goal in a derby and three points in the kitty isn't a bad one.
"The players gave their all and the support from our fans was very massive. This is gone; we look up to the next match with high hopes."