Katsina United Return to Action Less Than 72 Hours After Chinedu Ozor’s Death

Katsina United returned to action on Thursday, less than 72 hours after the tragic death of their player, Chinedu Ozor, during a pre-season match.

The club faced Cynosure U21 in their second game of the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-Season Tournament, with the match ending in a 1-1 draw.

Before the game, Katsina United said their thoughts remained with Ozor’s family, teammates and loved ones, while praying for strength and comfort for them during the difficult period.

Ozor collapsed nine minutes into Katsina United’s pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday. He was initially taken to K-Dara Specialist Hospital in Gidan Dawa, where he was pronounced dead, before the situation was reviewed at Katsina General Hospital.

There was uncertainty after Ozor’s roommate reportedly noticed movement in one of his hands while his body was being taken to the morgue. Medical personnel then returned him to Katsina General Hospital, where he was placed on life support in the Intensive Care Unit for 24 hours at the request of his family.

His family also asked that his body not be deposited in the morgue until they arrived in Katsina to confirm his death themselves.

Nasir Gide, the media officer of Katsina United, said members of Ozor’s family later arrived in Katsina and were taken to the ICU, where they saw his body and accepted his death as God’s will.

The family then requested that Ozor’s remains be moved to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, where they could be preserved pending burial arrangements.

“They completed all the necessary documentation at Katsina General Hospital before obtaining a referral to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina. The mortuary officials accepted the body for preservation,” Gide said.

He added that the club had provided accommodation and other support to the bereaved family while discussions continued on transporting Ozor’s remains to his hometown for burial.

Katsina United management has also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the late player’s family and ensuring that his final journey is handled with respect.

Ozor’s death has left the Nigerian football community in mourning, with tributes continuing to pour in following the tragic incident.