Katsina United have confirmed that Chinedu Ozor died after collapsing during a pre-season match, rejecting claims that the former Heartland FC, Kano Pillars and Abia Warriors defender later recovered.
Player dies after collapse in friendly
Ozor became ill during Tuesday morning’s meeting between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes at Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina. He was promptly transported to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where doctors began emergency treatment.
Medical staff were unable to save the player, and he was pronounced dead despite their efforts.
Club rejects reports of recovery
Conflicting reports subsequently suggested that Ozor had regained consciousness on the way to the mortuary before being transferred to an Intensive Care Unit. Katsina United said those claims were false in a formal statement.
The club explained that Ozor collapsed during the fixture and later died, despite the response that followed. It also appealed for sensitivity, stressing that behind the coverage of the incident was a family mourning the loss of a son, brother, teammate, friend and young man who mattered deeply to many people.
- Katsina United urged the public to show compassion rather than spread speculation.
- The club asked that Ozor’s teammates be given room to grieve.
- It said the player should be remembered respectfully and with dignity.
Barau FC withdraws from tournament
Barau FC, another participant in the pre-season tournament, has pulled out of the competition. The club cited the organisers’ decision to proceed with the event following the fatal incident.
Ozor’s death has also intensified questions about whether football grounds in Nigeria have sufficient medical support and emergency-response systems in place.
