‘Not even a day off after fatal Heartland FC accident’ – Knocks for Tico/Select pre-season tournament organizers
The organizers of the 2024 Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament have come under fire for their decision to proceed with the event less than 24 hours after Heartland FC suffered a devastating accident.
The tragic incident, which occurred en route to Abakaliki for the tournament, resulted in the death of former Nigerian international coach Christian Obi and left several players and officials injured.
Coach Christian Obi, aged 57, was a respected figure in Nigerian football, known for his role as a youth international goalkeeper and his participation in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. His untimely death is a significant loss to the football community, and the lack of empathy shown by the tournament organizers, according to Nigerian football enthusiasts, is deeply troubling.
Despite the gravity of the situation, the tournament kicked off as scheduled on Saturday, August 24, 2024 in Ebonyi State with Excellent FC defeating Mathias FC 1-0 in the opening match.
Comments on social media have raised serious questions about the organizers’ priorities and sense of decency.
Leading the criticism was Nsikakabasi Akpan, who wrote on his Facebook handle: “I am deeply disappointed with the organizers of the 2024 Tico/Select Pre-Season Tournament for their insensitive decision to proceed with the event less than 24 hours after Heartland FC suffered a tragic accident that resulted in the loss of former Nigerian international Coach Christian Obi. Despite the gravity of the situation, including the loss of a respected figure in Nigerian football and injuries sustained by other members of the Heartland FC team, the tournament was kicked off as scheduled. This decision displays a shocking lack of empathy and respect for those affected by the accident.
“It is not only appropriate but necessary for organizers to pause and show solidarity with those in mourning. In this case, a brief delay would have been a meaningful gesture to honor the memory of Coach Obi and offer support to the injured players. To proceed with the competition as if nothing had happened is profoundly insensitive and undermines the human element of sportsmanship.
“A more considerate approach would have been to reschedule the opening day of the tournament, allowing time for mourning and providing support to the victims and their families. In situations like these, a demonstration of compassion and respect should take precedence over the strict adherence to a schedule.”
