Nigerian footballer 'killed by stray bullet fired by soldiers'

Nigeria Premier League defender Izu Joseph has been shot dead in his hometown of Okaki in oil-rich southern Bayelsa state, it was reported on Monday.

The player's father said Joseph was killed accidentally by troops battling Niger delta militants on Sunday.

Initial reports said Joseph was killed at a restricted area by soldiers on a raid, with his identity as a footballer only established after he had been shot.