Chinedu Ozor, a newly signed player for Katsina United, reportedly showed signs of movement after being taken to a mortuary, leading to him being rushed back to a hospital. This development occurred on Tuesday evening, hours after reports earlier in the day stated that Ozor had died following a medical emergency during a pre-season friendly match.
The incident took place during a friendly fixture between Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. Ozor had collapsed during the match and was initially reported to have passed away.
Dramatic Turn of Events
According to grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ, Ozor exhibited signs of movement after arriving at the mortuary. This led to renewed hope for his survival, and he was promptly transported back to the hospital. Prince CJ shared this information on his Facebook page, stating that Ozor’s hand shook at the mortuary.
A separate update from one of Ozor’s former teams, Heartland of Imo, also confirmed that he had been moved from the mortuary to a hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement. The update indicated that the footballer was receiving oxygen as medical personnel worked to revive him.
Earlier on Tuesday, Katsina United had confirmed Ozor’s death, describing the incident as a tragedy. The club expressed condolences to his family and loved ones, stating, “We mourn the tragic passing of our newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during today’s friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC.” The club did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the medical emergency or the circumstances surrounding the initial report of his death.
Rivers United also joined the Nigerian football community in mourning the player, stating that Ozor had reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday after being rushed to the hospital following the medical emergency. They extended condolences to his family, loved ones, and to Katsina United FC.
Hospitalisation and Club’s Stance
In a related development, Nasir Gibe, Katsina United’s media officer, stated that Ozor was in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Katsina General Hospital. This move was made at the request of his relatives, despite two hospitals reportedly pronouncing him dead. Gibe clarified that while medical examinations from both hospitals confirmed his death, the relatives insisted he was still alive after reports of his hands shaking.
Gibe added that Ozor is currently being administered oxygen in the ICU. He also mentioned that the request for ICU admission came from the relatives, and the club could not deny them that right, even with doctors confirming his death. Gibe declined to provide further medical details, stating that such information was known only to the team doctors.
Ozor had recently joined Katsina United as the club prepared for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season. His previous clubs include Heartland FC and Kano Pillars. Transfer records show he moved from Heartland to Kano Pillars in July 2025 before joining Katsina United. He played for Kano Pillars during the 2025/26 NPFL season, including a March league fixture against Niger Tornadoes.
The circumstances surrounding his sudden medical emergency and the subsequent events are still being established.
Source: saharareporters.com