A dramatic turn of events has shocked Nigeria’s football community after Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor reportedly showed signs of life hours after he was pronounced dead following a collapse during a pre-season friendly.
Ozor, who had recently joined Katsina United, reportedly collapsed during the early stages of the club’s match against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina. He was subsequently taken to a nearby hospital, where a doctor reportedly confirmed his death.
The development prompted Katsina United to announce the footballer’s death and express condolences to his family and loved ones. Tributes also began pouring in from across Nigerian football, including from clubs Ozor had previously represented.
However, the situation took an extraordinary turn after Ozor was reportedly taken to a mortuary.
According to reports attributed to grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ, medical personnel and others at the mortuary noticed movement from the footballer. His hand was reportedly seen moving, prompting those present to raise the alarm and arrange for him to be taken back to hospital.
Ozor was subsequently returned to Katsina General Hospital, where reports say he was placed in intensive care and put on oxygen as medical personnel worked to stabilise his condition. His situation was described as critical, with further medical updates awaited.
His former club, Heartland, also shared an update indicating that Ozor had been moved from the mortuary back to hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement. The club expressed hope for his recovery.
The incident has raised questions about the circumstances surrounding the initial pronouncement of death. Katsina United media officer Nasir Gide reportedly said the club had taken Ozor to a nearby hospital after he collapsed and that a doctor confirmed his death. He added that the player was subsequently taken to Katsina General Hospital, where he was again reportedly considered dead.
The unexpected development has since generated widespread reactions among Nigerian football supporters, with fans and former clubs hoping that the defender can make a full recovery.
Ozor, a right-back, has previously played for several Nigerian clubs, including Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, Heartland and Kano Pillars, before his move to Katsina United.
As of the latest reports, the footballer remains under medical care, while the exact circumstances surrounding the initial declaration of death and his subsequent signs of movement have not been fully explained publicly.
The football community continues to await an official medical update on Ozor’s condition.
Source: Thepressradio.com
