THE Nigeria Football Federation and several clubs in the Nigeria Premier Football League have expressed sadness over the death of Heartland coach Christian Obi.
The former youth international died yesterday from complications from his injuries after the Heartland bus was involved in a crash in Okigwe, Imo State on their way to neighbouring Ebonyi State for a pre-season tournament.
The NFF described Obi’s death as “shocking and very sad,” while noting that he was a former Nigeria international goalkeeper.
NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, said: “We are still stunned and saddened by the report. Our hearts go out to the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends and relations, the Imo State Football Association and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club.
“While we await further reports on the accident, we commiserate with the Imo State Government on this unfortunate situation, and pray that Almighty God will grant the late Christian Obi eternal rest, and also pray that the injured regain good health speedily.”
Christian Obi was a member of the Nigeria U-20 team that won the bronze medal at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in then Soviet Union, defeating the host nation in a penalty shootout in the third-place match after scoreless regulation and extra time in Moscow.
Though Obi was the second-choice goalkeeper, he was thrown into action in the third-place match following injury to first-choice Aloysius Agu in the 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the semi finals in Leningrad, and Obi’s heroics in saving three of the Soviet Union team’s penalty kicks handed Nigeria a 3-1 win in the shootout and first-ever podium finish in FIFA’s second most important tournament.
Obi was also part of Nigeria’s squad to the men’s football event of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
Heartland’s neighbours and rivals Enyimba also mourned the late Obi after his death was officially confirmed this morning.
“Dear Heartland FC, our hearts are with you during this difficult time. May Coach Christian Obi’s soul rest in peace. Stay strong, our brothers from Owerri,” the two-time African champions wrote on X.
Another NPFL club, Remo Stars, who finished aa runners-up last season, wrote: “Stay strong, Heartland FC. The loss of Christian Obi is a tragedy for Nigerian football.
“May the love and support of the football community comfort everyone at the club.”
Other clubs clubs, including Bendel Insurance and Rivers United,valso sent messages to Heartland, while the club confirmed this morning that Obi’s body has been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, (FUTH) morgue in Owerri while the injured players have been referred to the same hospital for more proper care.
