Reports indicate that Obi was positioned at the front of the Heartland FC bus when it collided with a tipper truck while attempting to evade an oncoming vehicle, resulting in significant damage to the bus’s front end.
The incident took place in Okigwe as the team was en route to Abakaliki, the capital of Ebonyi State, to participate in the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT pre-season tournament. Sadly, Obi succumbed to his injuries while being transported to the hospital.
Several players and team officials sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention.
NFF President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, expressed his condolences, stating: “We are still stunned and saddened by the report. Our hearts go out to the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends and relations, the Imo State Football Association and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club.”
He continued; “While we await further reports on the accident, we commiserate with the Imo State Government on this unfortunate situation, and pray that Almighty God will grant the late Christian Obi eternal rest, and also pray that the injured regain good health speedily.”
At 57 years old, Obi had recently led Heartland FC through a challenging season that ended in relegation.
He was also a former Nigeria youth international goalkeeper, having represented the nation in the Men’s Football Tournament at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.
