Katsina United have confirmed the death of their player, Chinedu Ozor, putting to rest reports that the former Heartland FC, Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors defender regained consciousness after being pronounced dead.
Ozor collapsed during a pre-season friendly between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina on Tuesday morning, and was immediately taken to K-Dara Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite efforts by medical personnel to save him, the player died.
Reports later circulated that Ozor had regained consciousness while being taken to the mortuary and had subsequently been moved to the Intensive Care Unit. Katsina United, however, dismissed the reports in an official statement.
‘We wish to clarify the circumstances surrounding the tragic passing of our player, Chinedu Ozor, who collapsed during a friendly match against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium, Katsina. Despite the efforts that followed, Chinedu sadly passed away,’ the club stated.
‘Behind every post, every headline and every video is a grieving family. Behind the name Chinedu Ozor was a son, a brother, a teammate, a friend and a young man whose life meant so much to many people. At this moment, what his family needs is compassion, not speculation. What his teammates need is space to grieve. And what Chinedu deserves is to be remembered with dignity.’
Meanwhile, Barau FC, one of the clubs involved in the pre-season tournament, has withdrawn from the competition, citing the decision by organisers to continue with the event despite the fatal incident.
The tragedy has also renewed concerns over the adequacy of medical and emergency-response arrangements at football venues in Nigeria.