Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor has been confirmed dead after collapsing during a pre-season friendly match against Niger Tornadoes.
Grassroots sports writer Emmanuel Owi Adoyi said sources familiar with the incident confirmed the player’s death on Wednesday, despite earlier reports that he showed signs of movement after being taken to a mortuary.
Ozor collapsed about five minutes into the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday.
“Just five minutes into the match, the ball went to throw-in. Then, they wanted to make that throw-in before Ozo collapsed,” Adoyi said.
Medical personnel attended to him at the stadium before he was rushed to a private hospital, where he was pronounced dead. At the family’s request, he was moved to a general hospital for further checks, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and was again confirmed dead.
A close friend later insisted Ozor was still alive, leading to his transfer back to the intensive care unit and placement on oxygen. Adoyi said the medical team maintained that the player had died, with two hospitals independently confirming the death.
“The hospital said, this guy has gone. But yeah, they have to do it because the family, everybody is insisting that he is alive,” Adoyi said.
He appealed for caution in reporting, adding: “I know everybody wants Ozo back, I also wish and I pray he can come back. But what has happened, has happened. It’s unfortunate, it is painful.”
Katsina United had earlier announced Ozor’s death, describing it as a tragedy. “We mourn the tragic passing of our newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during today’s friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC,” the club said. “Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones. Rest on Warrior.”
Ozor had recently joined Katsina United after spells with Heartland FC and Kano Pillars.
