The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Heartland FC coach and former U-20 goalkeeper, Christian Obi. Heartland’s Media Officer, Olatunde Liadi, confirmed Obi’s death in a statement on Saturday, following a tragic accident involving one of the team’s buses en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for a pre-season tournament on Friday.
The accident occurred when the bus collided with a parked truck while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle. Obi, who sustained minor injuries, was rushed to a nearby hospital but sadly passed away despite medical efforts.
NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, expressed condolences, saying, “We are stunned and saddened by this report. Our hearts go out to Coach Christian Obi’s family and the entire Heartland FC community.”
Obi, a former member of Nigeria’s U-20 team and the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship bronze medalist, recently led Heartland FC back to the top flight. The club has requested privacy during this difficult time.
