Coach Christian Obi dies, players injured in Heartland bus accident
The bus conveying the Heartland Football Club of Owerri to an official engagement was involved in a road crash on Friday.
The club confirmed that the accident occurred within Imo State on Friday.
The coach of the team, the 57-year-old Christian Obi, reportedly lost his life in the aftermath of the crash.
“Heartland FC vehicle has been involved in an accident on the way to Abakaliki for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT Pre Season Tournament,” the club stated.
“The accident happened at Umunna close to Okigwe still within Imo State.
“The vehicle in its attempt to dodge an uncoming vehicle collided with another carelessly parked vehicle from another accident.
“Though no death was recorded some players and officials sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.”
Apparently, Obi had not died immediately after the crash.
Heartland’s neighbours and Nigeria Premier Football League rivals, Enyimba of Aba, took to X to express their sadness at the incident.
“Enyimba FC is deeply saddened to hear about the accident involving Heartland FC of Owerri this evening along the Okigwe road, as they journeyed to Abakaliki. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Heartland FC family, particularly those affected by this incident,” the two-time African champions wrote.
“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.”
