Heartland FC has been plunged into mourning following the tragic death of their beloved coach, Christian Power Obi, who passed away on Friday, August 23, 2024, due to injuries sustained in a road accident.
The fatal collision occurred as the team was en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.
The tragic incident happened shortly after the team departed from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, full of enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament. Traveling in three vehicles, disaster struck just minutes after 4:00 PM when one of the vehicles collided with a carelessly parked truck while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
Despite the driver’s best efforts to prevent the accident, the impact proved fatal for Coach Obi, who sustained a shock and a slight injury to his right leg. He was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo LGA of Imo State, along with other injured players. Sadly, despite the best efforts of the medical personnel, Coach Obi succumbed to his injuries.
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Heartland FC expressed their profound grief in a statement, highlighting Coach Obi’s invaluable contributions to the club, particularly his leadership during the team’s unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League (NNL) during the 2022-23 season, which culminated in their victory at the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.
The club has requested privacy during this difficult time and has announced that Coach Obi’s remains have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri. The injured players are also receiving further medical care at the same facility.
