A 16-year-old footballer from Ecuador has been killed at home by a stray bullet. His club, Independiente del Valle, confirmed the teenager’s death in a social media post.

Miguel Nazareno, who played as a forward as well as a midfielder, was at home in the port city of Guayaquil when he was fatally shot. Independiente, who nurtured Chelsea star Moises Caicedo and Arsenal ace Piero Hincapie before they moved to Europe, said the youngster had become a “victim of the insecurity affecting our country.”

His club paid an emotional tribute to the player as they wrote on Instagram: “The family of Independiente del Valle expresses its deep sorrow for the sensitive passing of Miguel Nazareno, player of our quarry in Independiente Juniors.

“We extend our deepest condolences and all our support to his family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“Your memory will always remain in the heart of our institution.”

Nazareno’s passing follows the recent deaths of Maicol Valencia and Leandro Yepez, who both played for Ecuadorian second-division team Exapromo Costa FC.

The two players were shot in an armed assault in September, according to...