NPL Clubs To Wear Black Armbands For Idahor

The 20 Premier League clubs would join in mourning the late former Dolphin Football Club and Julius Berger striker, Endurance Idahor, when they play Week 23 matches on Wednesday.

The Nigeria Premier League (NPL) has officially informed the 20 Premier League teams to observe a minute silence at the 10 venues across the country during the mid-week games.

The clubs are also requested to wear black armbands as a mark of respect for late Idahor.

“The Nigeria Premier League however enjoins all Premier League Clubs to put on black armband and to observe a minute silence before the commencement of Week 23 matches slated for Wednesday, 10 March 2010 at all centres across the country,” a statement made available to Naijaligue.blogspot.com read.

The Premier League board described the death of the 25-year-old as sudden.

“The Nigeria Premier League wishes to express her heartfelt sympathy over the sudden death of Endurance Idahor who died while playing for his club El-Merreikh of Sudan on 6th March 2010,” said the Premier League body.

NPL Chairman, Oyuki Obaseki, expressed shock over the death of the player, who started his football career with Igbino Babes Football Club of Benin before he was discovered by Julius Berger while under the chairmanship of Late Chief Daniel Idama.

Obaseki praised the late player for living an exemplary life while alive and hopes that the family of the deceased would have the strength to bear the huge loss.

“I am so devastated and shocked to hear that such a young and promising footballer is gone so soon. The entire football fraternity is however happy with the fact that late Endurance Idahor lived an amiable life worthy of emulation by all. It is our prayers that Almighty God will grant his entire family and great football lovers the fortitude to bear this great loss,” Obaseki said in the statement.

Idahor known for his free-scoring ability would be remembered for emerging as joint highest goal scorer with 12 goals in the 2003 league season with Chibuzor Ozurumba of the then Iwuanyanwu Nationale of Owerri (now Heartland Football Club).