Heartland Football Club Owerri has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of their coach, Christian Power Obi, in a disastrous automobile accident on Friday, August 23, 2024.
Coach Obi was traveling with his team to the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwuem preseason tournament in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, when the accident occurred.
According to a statement released by the club on their social media page, the Heartland FC team had departed Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles, filled with enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament.
However, just minutes after 4 pm, one of the vehicles collided with a carelessly parked truck while trying 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,” the statement read.
Coach Obi, along with other injured players, was rushed to a nearby hospital in Okwelle, Onuimo LGA, Imo State. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Coach Obi tragically passed away.
“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,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Heartland FC also requested privacy for the club and Coach Obi’s family during this dark period, noting that no further statements will be made at this time.
Coach Obi’s remains have been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital (FUTH) morgue in Owerri, while the injured players have been referred to the same hospital for further care.
In a show of solidarity, Eyimba FC has expressed their condolences to Heartland FC, stating, “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,” Eyimba FC added.
