By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow and shock over the death of Heartland FC coach and former U-20 goalkeeper, Christian Obi, following a tragic car accident.
Heartland FC’s Media Officer, Olatunde Liadi, confirmed Obi’s death in a statement on Saturday. The fatal accident occurred on Friday while the team was en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for a pre-season tournament. One of the team’s buses collided with a parked truck after attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
“With heavy hearts and complete submission to the will of God, Heartland FC announces the passing of Christian Power Obi, who died on Friday, August 23, 2024, as a result of a road accident while traveling to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Pre-season Tournament,” the club stated.
The statement detailed that the team departed from Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri with high spirits at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles. However, just after 4 pm, one of the buses struck a parked truck while trying to avoid another vehicle. The impact left Coach Obi unconscious, with a minor injury to his right leg.
“Coach Obi, along with other injured players, was rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo LGA, Imo State. Despite the medical team’s best efforts, our revered coach sadly passed away,” the statement continued.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed his condolences, stating, “We are deeply saddened and shocked by the news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends, relations, the Imo State Football Association, and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club.”
Heartland FC also paid tribute to their late coach, who had led them to an unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League (NNL) during the 2022/23 season, culminating in their victory at the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.
“His legacy will remain a significant part of the club’s history. We appreciate the outpouring of support and concern, but we request privacy for both the club and the family during this difficult time,” the club stated, adding that no further statements would be made at the moment.
Christian Obi was a member of Nigeria’s U-20 team that secured a bronze medal at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U-20 World Cup) in the Soviet Union. Despite being the second-choice goalkeeper, Obi’s crucial saves in the third-place match against the host nation helped Nigeria clinch victory in a penalty shootout.
The late coach also represented Nigeria in the men’s football tournament at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Obi’s remains have been taken to the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri, while the injured players are receiving treatment at the same hospital.