Heartland FC Coach, Christian Obi, has tragically passed away.
According to a statement from Heartland Media on Saturday, Obi died on Friday following a road accident near Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, while en route to the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.
The statement reads: “With heavy hearts and in total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC announces the passing of Christian Power Obi, who died on Friday, August 23, 2024, due to a road accident near Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, while traveling to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.”
The tragic incident occurred when the Heartland FC team departed Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, for the tournament around 3:30 pm in three vehicles. Shortly after 4:00 pm, one of the vehicles collided with a parked truck while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle. The impact left Coach Obi unconscious, with a slight injury to his right leg.
Obi and other injured individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo LGA of Imo State. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Coach Obi could not be saved.
The statement continues: “Words alone cannot fully express the depth of our grief at the loss of Coach Obi, who was so precious to the club. His name will forever be etched in the club’s history, especially for leading the team to an unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League during the 2022-23 season, culminating in winning the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.”
Heartland FC has requested privacy for both the club and Coach Obi’s family during this difficult time and will refrain from making further statements. Obi’s remains have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri, and the injured have been referred to the same hospital for further treatment.
See photos below: