Former Nigerian international and Heartland FC head coach, Christian Obi, has tragically passed away following a severe road accident.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, involved the Owerri-based club as they were en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, for the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme pre-season tournament.
Heartland FC has confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating that Obi succumbed to his injuries at a hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo Local Government Area of Imo State.
Several players from the team were also injured in the accident and have been hospitalized.
Obi was initially found unconscious with a minor injury to his right leg when he was evacuated from the severely damaged section of the bus. Despite medical efforts, the coach passed away shortly after.
“With sadness in our heart and total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC announce the death of Christian Power Obi, who died on Friday 23rd August, 2024, from a road accident enroute Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Pre-season Tournament,” the club stated in an official announcement.
Christian Obi had a notable impact on Heartland FC, leading the team to promotion by winning the Nigeria National League playoffs in Asaba, Delta State, during the 2022-2023 season.
However, the club faced a setback when they were relegated from the Nigeria Professional Football League in the most recent season.
There are ongoing speculations that Heartland FC may return to the NPFL in the upcoming season, which begins on August 31, by potentially acquiring the slot of Beyond Limits Academy.
