The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has expressed shock and sadness over the sudden passing of Christian Obi, the head coach of Heartland FC and former goalkeeper for the Nigerian U-20 team.
Obi’s death was confirmed by Heartland’s Media Officer, Olatunde Liadi, following a fatal bus accident on Friday while the team was en route to a pre-season tournament in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
Liadi wrote: “With sadness in our hearts and with total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC is announcing the death of Christian Power Obi who died on Friday, August 23, 2024, from a road accident en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Pre-season Tournament.
“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 pm, one of the vehicles rammed into a carelessly parked truck in its attempt to evade an oncoming vehicle.
“The driver tried as he could but the impact of the collision caused a sudden shock to our coach, Obi who was unconscious with a slight injury to his right leg upon evacuation from the badly affected part of the bus.
“Coach Obi and other injured players were rushed to the nearby hospital at Okwelle in Onuimo LGA of Imo State but despite the best efforts of the medical personnel our revered coach gave up the ghost.”
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, extended condolences to Obi’s family, friends, and the Imo State Football Association, saying, “We are deeply saddened by the news. Our thoughts are with the loved ones of Coach Christian Obi, the Imo State Government, and the Heartland Football Club.”
The former Nigeria Premier Football League side also paid tributes to their late coach who guided them back to the top flight last season.
“His name would continue to remain etched in the history of the club following the club’s unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League throughout the 2022/23 season a feat that culminated in the club winning the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.
“We appreciate the concerns from all and sundry on the unfortunate incident but the club demands that its privacy and that of the late Obi’s family be respected during this dark period. The club will not be making further statements for the time being.”
Obi was a celebrated figure in Nigerian football, having guided Heartland FC to promotion last season.
He was also a member of the Nigerian U-20 team that won bronze at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he played a crucial role in the team’s third-place finish.
Additionally, Obi was part of Nigeria’s squad for the 1988 Olympic men’s football tournament in Seoul. His contributions to Nigerian football will be remembered and cherished.
