Nigerian footballer Chinonso Jeremiah Obi has been hospitalised after suffering multiple injuries following a knife attack in Alytus, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The 20-year-old, who plays for FK Dainava, was reportedly attacked on Tuesday morning while heading to meet his teammates for a league trip to Taurag?. The incident occurred near an apartment building on Naujoji Street, where an unidentified male assailant allegedly stabbed him from behind.
Obi sustained injuries to his stomach, buttocks, and arm before the attacker was subdued and detained by the club’s administrator. Passersby quickly came to his aid before he was rushed to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition.
In a statement shared on social media, FK Dainava condemned the attack, expressing shock over the violent incident involving their player. The club also confirmed that their scheduled league fixture in Taurag? had been postponed as a result.
“What happened today is incomprehensible and unforgivable. Our football player has become a victim of a serious crime – he was attacked with a knife and is currently in hospital, his condition is serious,” the club stated.
The Lithuanian Football Federation also condemned the attack, describing Obi as a young player striving to build his career and contribute to his team.
Federation president Edgaras Stankevi?ius labelled the incident as racism-related and called for stronger protection of players regardless of their background.
“Racism has no place in football or society. Every player, regardless of nationality, skin color or origin, must feel safe and do what they do best – delight fans in stadiums,” he said.
The suspect remains in police custody, while the football community continues to rally around Obi with hopes of his full recovery.