No NFF rep at Isaac Promise burial in Imo

The funeral of Isaac Promise, the former Nigeria youth captain, took place in the south-eastern town of Umudim, Ohekelem, Imo State.

Promise, 31, died of a suspected heart attack in early October in the United States, according to American second-tier side Austin Bold.

Clad in black, the family gathered three months after his death to attend the burial ceremony.

Despite representing his country at all youth level, he was buried in a low-key ceremony with a no-show from top Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials.

“We sent out the programme in December, but there was no representative from the football community,” a family member said.

“Imagine a former captain of Nigeria and there was no NFF representatives among the audience, and not even a former teammate.

“This is another lesson for footballers, you are only important when you are actively involved in the game because no one cares after your career is over.”