Heartland FC Coach Christian Obi lost his life in a road accident on Friday, August 23, 2024, while traveling with his team to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.
According to a statement released by Heartland Media, the team’s vehicle collided with a carelessly parked truck while attempting to evade an oncoming vehicle. Coach Obi, who was in one of the three vehicles, suffered a slight injury to his right leg and was rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Imo State, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The team was traveling from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri, departing at around 3:30 pm. The accident occurred shortly after 4 pm. Other injured players were also taken to the hospital for further care.
Coach Obi’s death has sent shockwaves through the club, with the team describing him as “precious” and highlighting his achievements, including an unbeaten run in the Nigeria National League throughout the 2022-23 season and winning the NNL Super 8 in Asaba, Delta State.
The club has requested privacy for the late coach’s family during this difficult time and has announced that Coach Obi’s remains have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri.
