Nigerian soccer star Chinedu Ozor collapsed during an exhibition game, and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. As reported by People, the athlete was 27 years old.
The tragic incident happened during a match between Katsina United and the Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday, August 11. According to local sources, Ozar had collapsed only nine minutes into the game. He was rushed to the K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Katsina United released a statement confirming his passing on social media. "Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones," they wrote. "Rest on Warrior".
Several news outlets reported that Ozor had apparently shown signs of life in the morgue, prompting the athlete to be rushed back into the hospital, and given oxygen. Katsina United released a second statement pleading for people to stop speculating on his passing.
"There are moments when words simply fail us. This is one of those moments."
"We have seen reports claiming that Chinedu later regained consciousness or 'came back to life'. We understand that people desperately wanted this to be true, we all did. But sadly, those reports are not true."
"In the heartbreaking moments after the incident, Chinedu's family, overwhelmed by shock and refusing to give up hope, asked for further medical confirmation before his body was taken to the morgue. They were a family desperately hoping that somehow, against all odds, their loved one was still with them."
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Tributes Have Poured in for the Athlete
Tributes have poured in for the soccer athlete. Commenters were quick to send their prayers to both the player, his family, and his club.
"God uphold the Family and the Club 'In Pace'," one wrote, with another writing, "Condolences to his loved ones."
Per the Independent, the governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, also expressed his condolences in a statement shared with the outlet. "The sudden death of Ozoh Chinedu is deeply shocking and heartbreaking. It is particularly painful that a young footballer with a promising career has lost his life at such a time."
May he rest in peace.
