Millwall’s players and staff show support for former Lions striker Benik Afobe

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Millwall’s players and staff wore black armbands in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Forest to show their support for Benik Afobe – with manager Gary Rowett revealing he has also made contact with his former striker.

The ex-Lions frontman’s two-year-old daughter Amora recently passed away.

Afobe is on a season-long loan at Bristol City, who Millwall play tonight at Ashton Gate.

He had a temporary spell with the Lions in 2013.

Rowett said: “Benik was a player we signed at Stoke – I had a really good relationship with him.

“I still speak to him quite regularly, so I dropped him a text as well. He responded, which was great of him. I’m sure in such a tough situation it would be very easy not to get back to everybody. But that’s the type of guy Benik is – a really nice guy.

“Everyone at Millwall sends their love and best wishes to him. He has got a really nice family. It’s such a sad situation. Knowing Benik he is trying to be as positive as he can be, in such a tough time.”

Afobe posted on Instagram: “The support we have received is something we will never forget and it means the world to us.

“You’ve all given us hope and showed the world can come together at times like this and we can all be one.

“I wish I could reply to every person that has messaged me.

“Thank you to every football club for posting a message and the world for being there for us.”