Twelve players from top Nigerian club Nasarawa United were hospitalised with various injuries after armed robbers attacked their training camp on Sunday.

Twelve players from top Nigerian club Nasarawa United were hospitalised with various injuries after armed robbers attacked their training camp on Sunday.

The Nigeria Football League (NFL) was forced to postpone United's opening fixture against Dolphins, which was scheduled for Sunday. Nasarawa coach Daniel Amokachi confirmed the incident, saying most of the injured players were in his first team.

"Five of our key defenders are seriously injured as a result of the attack," he told BBC Sport.

"Players injured themselves trying to flee the robbers, with many twisting ankles and knees and suffering cuts.

"I hope this doesn't affect our performance this season because we prepared very well."

Among those injured were Ado Ali, Oumar Mohammed, Zango Umar and John Agbawu.

Officials told reporters the players were paid part of their signing-on fees last week.

Player George Chinwoba said the robbers broke into their rooms after they overpowered the security guards at the gate and took money and cell- phones. Most of the players were injured when they jumped out of windows and landed badly.

Nasarawa will represent Nigeria in this year's CAF Champions League after they ended second in a championship playoff in September. - BBC Sport