Shooting Stars defender Izu Joseph has been shot dead by soldiers in his hometown Okaki in Rivers State, Southern, Nigeria.
The player’s father confirmed his death at the hands of Joint Task Force (JTF), who are locked in a long-drawn face-off with militants in the restive Niger Delta.
The central defender,joined Shooting Stars in 2013 from Bayelsa United.
He was man of the match in the 1-1 draw with champions Rangers.
Initial reports said the player was caught out at a restricted area by soldiers on a raid.
His identity as a footballer was only established after he had been shot.
