The Nigeria Football Federation have expressed their condolences following the passing away of Shooting Stars central defender Izu Joseph. <br /><br />Joseph tragically lost his life this past weekend in Bayelsa State when a stray bullet fired by a yet to be identified soldier hit him.<br /><br />The Nigeria Football Federation stated via Twitter : &ldquo;Our thoughts are with the Mgt. &amp; Staff of @Official3SC on the shocking loss of their player, Izu Joseph. May his soul Rest In Peace! #RIPIzu.&rdquo;<br /><br />Shooting Stars were shocked to learn of their player<span class="body1"><span class="body1">&rsquo;s death, tweeting : </span></span>&ldquo;A Shooting STAR is gone! Izu Joseph is gone! Flamboyant defender is gone! RIP, brother. What a life! May God strengthen his family #Tragedy.&rdquo;<br /><br />Izu Joseph helped Shooting Stars beat the drop in the just concluded season, with the Oluyole Warriors finishing fourteenth in the final Nigeria Professional Football League standings. <br /><br />His death is reminiscent of former Aston Villa striker Dalian Atkinson, who died after he was tasered by Police near his home in August .<br /><br />Igho Kingsley <br /><br />&nbsp;<br />