JUST IN: Footballers and others seriously wounded as gunmen attack Sunshine Stars of Akure team bus

“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,” the club said.

“Our ball boy was shot in the horrible attack; our team manager and other club officials, including players, are seriously injured,” it added.

In some pictures seen by, a team member lay down on a hospital bed with a severe injury to his stomach, apparently from a gunshot. Also, the glasses and body of the team’s bus were shattered with bullets.

The club said the “seriously injured” people were taken to a nearby hospital with the help of the Nigerian Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officers.

“It took the intervention of officers of the Federal Road Safety Corps that helped rescue the injured officials and the shot individual to a nearby hospital. We hope you join us in prayers,” the club said.