CHAPECOENSE PLANE CRASH: NFF CONSOLES FOOTBALL FEDERATION OF BRAZIL

ABUJA – The Nigeria Football Federation has sent a letter of condolence to the Confederacao Brasileira de Football (CBF), the Brazilian Football Federation, over Monday’s plane crash in Colombia that killed players, official and supporters of the country’s club, Chapecoense, as well as a number of journalists.




A total of 76 persons were said to have died in the air disaster in the mountains of Cerro Gordo in Colombia, as the Brazilian club headed for the first leg final of the Copa Sudamericana against Atletico Nacional of Medellin.

In the letter, NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi lamented the tragedy that has cut down the lives of dozens of young and vibrant sportsmen in their prime.

“Indeed, the NFF and the Nigerian Football family have been in deep grief since the incident, which reportedly led to the death of several players, technical officials and backroom staff of the Brazilian elite League club, as well as journalists and supporters of the club.

“In the annals of air accidents, Monday’s tragedy in the mountains of Colombia ranks as one of the most grave, and our hearts are with the families, relations and friends of the players and officials who lost their lives in the crash. The incident is even more heartbreaking as the players, officials and supporters of the Club as well as the journalists were on their way to the first leg, final of the Copa Sudamericana (South America’s second most prestigeous Club competition) against Atletico Nacional of Colombia.

“We sincerely pray that God Almighty will grant the departed souls eternal rest and also grant the Chapecoense FC, the families and other loved ones of the victims and the CBF the fortitude to bear the big loss.”