Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side, Shooting Stars have confirmed the death of their defender, Izu Joseph.
According to reports, Joseph who was killed by a stray bullet in Bayelsa on Sunday, October 16. Joseph was in Bayelsa for his post-season break when the incident happened.
Not much is known about the death but it has been widely reported that he was struck by a stray bullet from men of the Joint Task Force (JTF).
Shooting Stars have released a statement on Twitter to confirm his death.
“A Shooting STAR is gone! Izu Joseph is gone! Flamboyant defender is gone! RIP, brother. What a life! May God strengthen his family #Tragedy” the Ibadan-based club wrote on their official twitter handle on Monday morning.
Reactions have started to trail the sad loss with the NFF writing on its twitter handle said ”Our thoughts are with the Mgt. & Staff of @Official3SC on the shocking loss of their player, Izu Joseph. May his soul Rest In Peace! #RIPIzu”
While Sunshine FC on twitter says ”Our thoughts are with @Official3SC on the death of their defender, Izu Joseph. May God grant his family the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The defender was a constant feature in Shooting Stars as they finished 14 in the just concluded season. He scored two goals.