Julius OkorieHead Coach of relegated Nigeria Premier League side Heartland, Christian Obi, has been confirmed dead in an auto crash involving the team’s bus.
The vehicle carrying the Owerri-based side reportedly had a head on collision with another vehicle in Umunna, near Okigwe leading to the death of the coach with some players sustaining injuries and were immediately rushed to the hospital for treatment.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe team were heading to Ababaliki the Ebonyi State Capital for, Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT preseason tournament when the incident occurred.
READ ALSO:2024/2025 Season: Heartland Turns To Emmanuel Amuneke
Initial statement released by the Imo State-owned club on Friday, 23rd August, claimed that no life was lost in the accident but it was later confirmed that the 57-year-old retired Christian obi, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper, had passed on following the crash.
The club’s statement reads: “The accident happened at Umunna close to Okigwe still within Imo State.
“The vehicle, in its attempt to dodge an oncoming vehicle, collided with another carelessly parked vehicle from another accident.
“Though no death was recorded, some players and officials sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.”
The Nazi millionaires who were relegated to the Nigeria National League (NNL) after poor run in the 2023/2024 Premier league season only recently engaged former national U-17 coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, as the new Technical Adviser of the team with mandate to work towards returning the club to the elite division.
Meanwhile, Rivers United has expressed shock and sadness over the incident and passing of Coach Chritian Obi. General Manager of the Rivers United Sir Dr. Okey Kpalukwu said “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Coach Christian Obi,” he said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Obi family, Heartland FC, and the entire football community in Nigeria.”
Dr. Kpalukwu also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured players involved in the accident. The Rivers United FC family stands in solidarity with Heartland FC during this difficult time, offering support and condolences as they mourn the loss of their beloved coach” he added.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
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