Nigerian Club Coach Christian Obi Dies After Team Bus’ Ghastly Accident

Former Heartland FC coach from last season, Christian Obi, has been confirmed dead.

Obi was among the staff of the football team that were seriously injured after the club’s bus was involved in a ghastly accident on Friday.

It was learnt that the coach was said to be in front of the Heartland FC bus when it collided with a tipper, with the front of the bus seriously dented.

Obi reportedly died on the way to the hospital.

The accident reportedly occurred in Okigwe en-route to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, where the Naze Millionaires were to participate in the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT pre-season tournament.

Obi was in charge last season when Heartland FC were relegated.

Obi, aged 57, was a Nigeria youth international goalkeeper who competed in the Men’s Football Tournament of the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

It was learnt that the team bus was heading to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-Season Tournament when the accident occurred.

This was confined in a press statement issued by the club management to newsmen on Friday.

The statement reads: “The accident happened at Umunna close to Okigwe still within Imo State.

“The vehicle in its attempt to dodge an uncoming vehicle collided with another carelessly parked vehicle from another accident.

“Though no death was recorded some players and officials sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.”