The management of Heartland Football Club Owerri has announced the passing of her coach, Christian Power Obi
Coach Obi died on Friday, August 23rd, 2024 in a devastating automobile accident while traveling with his team en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi to TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwuem preseason tournament.
According to a statement posted on the team’s social media page ” The heart breaking day saw the Heartland FC team departing the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri for the preseason Tournament with enthusiasm at around 3:30pm in three vehicles but at about some minutes after 4pm, one of the vehicles rammed into a carelessly parked truck in its attempt to evade an oncoming vehicle.”
“The driver tried as he could but the impact of the collision caused a sudden shock to our coach, Christian Obi who was unconscious with a slight injury to his right leg upon evacuation from the badly affected part of the bus.
“Coach Obi and other injured players were rushed to the nearby hospital at Okwelle in Onuimo LGA of Imo State but despite the best efforts of the medical personnel our revered coach gave up the ghost.”
“Words alone cannot fully capture how the news of his death has thrown everyone at the club into deep mourning because of how precious Coach Obi was to the club.”
“His name would continue to remain etched in the history of the club following the club’s unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League throughout the 2022-23 season a feat that culminated in the club winning the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.”
“We appreciate the concerns from all and sundry on the unfortunate incident but the club demands that its privacy and that of the Late Obi’s family be respected during this dark period. The club will not be making further statements for the time being.”
“Coach Obi remains have since been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, (FUTH) morgue in Owerri while the injured have been referred to the same hospital for more proper care.”
Also Eyimba FC has commiserates with Heartland FC of Owerri over the incident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Heartland FC family, particularly those affected by this incident.”
“We commiserate with the players, officials, and supporters of Heartland FC during this challenging time. May the injured recover quickly and fully.”
“The football community is in shock, and we stand in solidarity with our brothers from Owerri. May this incident unite us all in prayer and support.”
Peoplesmind
