A female footballer with the Ayisat Yusuf Football Academy has died in a road accident while travelling with other team members from Ikenne, Ogun State, to Lagos for a league fixture.

It was gathered that several other players, including the team’s driver, were also affected by the accident, with some sustaining injuries and requiring medical attention.

The Chief Executive Officer of the academy, Ayisat Yusuf, disclosed the incident in a statement on Tuesday, describing it as a painful loss for the team.

Yusuf said the players were travelling to honour their league fixture at the Olympic Pitch, Sonya, Ijesha, Lagos State, when the accident occurred.

She expressed sadness over the death of the player, describing the girls as more than teammates, but members of one family.

“As we approach the end of the year, it is heartbreaking that we find ourselves dealing with such a devastating experience instead of celebrating the hopes and achievements we had looked forward to. My thoughts and prayers are with every injured girl, our team driver and all those affected by this tragedy,” she wrote on her facebook.

Yusuf extended her condolences to the bereaved family and wished the injured players and the team’s driver a speedy recovery.

She also appealed to families, friends, partners, colleagues in the football community and members of the public to keep those affected in their prayers and offer support during the difficult period.

The academy CEO said the team remained committed to the welfare and recovery of everyone affected, adding that further updates would be provided as more information became available.