Christian Obi, a former goalkeeper for the Nigerian national team and head coach of Heartland FC, tragically lost his life in a horrific accident on Friday, August 23. The accident occurred near Umunna, close to Okigwe in Imo State, as the Heartland FC team was en route to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-season Tournament.
According to a statement released by the club, the Heartland FC team had departed from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri around 3:30 p.m. in three vehicles, full of enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. However, just after 4:00 p.m., one of the vehicles collided with a truck that was carelessly parked on the road while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
Despite the driver’s efforts to prevent the collision, the impact caused severe damage to the vehicle. Coach Christian Obi, who was sitting in the affected part of the bus, lost consciousness after sustaining a slight injury to his right leg.
Obi, along with other injured players, was rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo LGA of Imo State. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, the 57-year-old coach succumbed to his injuries.
The remains of Coach Obi have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri, while the injured players have been transferred to the same hospital for further treatment.
Christian Obi, who led Heartland FC last season, was a former youth international goalkeeper for Nigeria. He represented the country at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, leaving behind a legacy in both Nigerian football and the hearts of those who knew him.
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With sadness in our heart and with total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC is announcing the death of Christian Power Obi who died on Friday 23rd August, 2024 from a road accident en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State…(1/8) pic.twitter.com/YmZxyRbYa7
— Heartland FC (@HeartlandFC_ng) August 24, 2024
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