Nigerian Footballer Stabbed in Lithuania in ‘Racism-Linked’ Attack

A Nigerian footballer, Chinonso Jeremiah Obi, has been hospitalised after a knife attack in Lithuania, in an incident described as racism-related by football authorities.

Obi, who plays for FK Dainava, was attacked on Tuesday ahead of a scheduled league match, according to reports and a statement from the Lithuanian Football Federation (LFF).

The federation condemned the incident as a “manifestation of racism” and confirmed that a suspect has been taken into police custody.

The attack occurred as FK Dainava prepared to travel from Alytus to Taurage for a second-tier league fixture against Tauras. The match has since been postponed.

LFF officials stressed that racism has no place in football or society, warning that such incidents damage the country’s global image and undermine player safety.

The case has drawn renewed attention to concerns about racism in parts of European football, particularly involving foreign players.

Authorities say investigations are ongoing while the player receives medical care.