Tragic Accident Claims Life of Former Nigerian Goalkeeper Christian Obi

A tragic motor accident has claimed the life of Mr. Christian Obi, a former Nigerian goalkeeper and head coach of Heartland FC. The incident occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, at Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State.

<p.According to reports, Heartland FC players and officials were traveling to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre-season Tournament when one of their vehicles collided with an abandoned bus. The club confirmed the details through an official statement.

The statement described the sequence of events, noting that the team departed the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, at around 3:30 pm with enthusiasm. Unfortunately, shortly after 4:00 pm, one of the vehicles crashed into a parked truck while attempting to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

Despite the driver’s efforts to avoid a crash, the impact left Coach Obi unconscious and with a slight injury to his right leg. He, along with other injured players, was rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo Local Government Area. However, despite the best medical attention, he was unable to survive.

Heartland FC has reported that Coach Obi’s remains have been taken to the morgue of the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) in Owerri, while the injured are receiving appropriate medical care at the same facility.

Christian Obi, aged 57, previously coached Heartland FC last season. He was notable for being a Nigeria youth international goalkeeper and played in the men’s football tournament at the 1988 Summer Olympics held in Seoul, South Korea.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate incident. NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau extended condolences to Obi’s family, friends, and the Imo State Football Association.

Reports indicate that the Heartland FC team was on their way to a pre-season tournament named after another former Nigerian international when the accident occurred.

Christian Obi was also a part of Nigeria’s U20 team that achieved a bronze medal at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, marking a significant achievement in Nigeria’s football history.