Former Nigeria Goalkeeper Obi Dies in Tragic Accident
Christian Obi, a former Nigeria goalkeeper and the head coach of Heartland FC, tragically died in a car accident on Friday, August 23, en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi.
The fatal accident occurred while the team was en route to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-season Tournament.
According to a statement released by Heartland FC, the team departed Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles filled with players and officials, all enthusiastic about the upcoming tournament.
However, shortly after 4:00 pm, one of the vehicles collided with a stationary truck. The crash happened as the driver attempted to avoid an oncoming vehicle, but in doing so, struck the truck, which had been carelessly parked.
The club’s statement described the events leading up to the accident: “The heartbreaking day saw the Heartland FC team departing the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri for the pre-season tournament with enthusiasm at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles, but at about some minutes after 4:00 pm, one of the vehicles rammed into a carelessly parked truck in its attempt to evade an oncoming vehicle.”
Coach Obi, along with other injured players, was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, located in the Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Christian Obi succumbed to his injuries.
The news of Obi’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Nigerian football community. Christian Obi was not only a celebrated goalkeeper, having represented Nigeria in various international competitions, but he also served as a mentor and leader for many young players in his role as a coach.
Heartland FC and the broader Nigerian football community have expressed their deep sorrow over this tragic loss.
