Sports
Shock, Anger Trail Death Of Footballer …Father Demands Justice
Shock and anger have greeted the death of Shooting Stars defender Izu Joseph, who was shot dead by soldiers in oil-rich Bayelsa State on Sunday.
The Oyo State Sports Writers Association (SWAN) described the tragic passing away of the star defender as a great loss, while urging the various governments to improve security.
“We commiserate with the management of 3SCover the death of their reliable and committed player, Izu Joseph, who was full of life and contributed immensely to the escape of ‘The Oluyole Warriors’ from relegation in the just concluded Nigeria league,” read the statement in part.
“It is indeed a great loss not only to 3SC, but also to the football fraternity in Nigeria.
“The Oyo SWAN appeals to government at all levels to beef up security in all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to prevent the recurrence of the avoidable incident that claimed the life of our valuable footballer, Izu Joseph.”
Former Nigeria U20 coach John Obuh called for police investigation into the death of the player.
“Our police should investigate this incident,” he said.
“What is all this?
“Can’t a good thing ever come out of our land? Every time comes one sad story or the other.”
Meanwhile, the father of Shooting Stars defender Izu Joseph who was killed on Sunday by soldiers in Bayelsa State has demanded for justice.
Azu Joseph said the Joint Task Force (JTF) killed the dream of his family by killing his second child.
“My son came back home on holidays and went straight to the village, which is in Mahuda Local Government of Bayelsa State, only for him to be shot on his legs even after showing them his Identity card as a player of 3SC Football Club of Ibadan,” narrated a very emotional Joseph senior.
“My first son broke the news to me. I am in Port Harcourt at the moment.
“Without proper investigation my son was killed. I demand justice on the death of my son, whose body is still in the mortuary.”
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has already condoled the family on this loss.
Reports suggested the slain player was caught out at a restricted area by soldiers on a raid against militants in the restive oil-rich Niger Delta
His identity as a footballer was only established after he had been shot.
In a statement released by the league, the competition is scheduled to take place from Friday, June 5 to Sunday, June 14, 2026, with six clubs set to battle for the league title at the end of the 2025/26 season.
NWFL Chief Operating Officer, Modupe Shabi, said the choice of Port Harcourt reflects the Rivers State Government’s continued support for women’s football and its successful hosting of the league’s Annual General Assembly last year.
The Super Six tournament will feature the top three teams from Group A and Group B of the regular season competing in a round-robin format, with each club playing five matches over nine days.
Qualified teams for the competition include defending champions Bayelsa Queens, Edo Queens, Rivers Angels, Robo Queens, Nasarawa Amazons, and debutants Abia Angels.
The NWFL Premiership has produced four different winners in the last five editions, with Rivers Angels winning in 2021, Bayelsa Queens claiming the title in 2022 and 2025, Delta Queens triumphing in 2023, and Edo Queens emerging champions in 2024.
The league also urged participating clubs to comply with all competition regulations and directives ahead of the championship. The Super Six will determine Nigeria’s representative for the WAFU-B qualifiers for a place at the 2026 CAF Women’s Champions League and ultimately the 2027 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup.
Teams are expected to arrive on Friday, June 5, when the draw ceremony and pre-match meeting will also take place. Matchdays are scheduled for June 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14, with rest days in between before the tournament concludes with the trophy presentation ceremony.
