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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former Nigerian international goalkeeper Christian Obi, who died in a tragic automobile accident on Friday.
The accident involved players and officials of Heartland FC of Owerri in Okigwe, Imo State.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau described the news as “shocking and very sad,” offering condolences to Obi’s family, friends, and the broader football community in Imo State.
“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,” Gusau stated.
The accident occurred as Heartland FC’s team was en route to a pre-season tournament in Abakaliki, named after another former Nigerian international. Reports indicate that their bus collided with a stationary vehicle while attempting to avoid an oncoming car in Okigwe.
Christian Obi was a respected figure in Nigerian football, having been a member of the Nigeria U20 team that secured a bronze medal at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in the Soviet Union. Obi’s crucial performance in the third-place match, where he saved three penalty kicks, secured Nigeria’s first-ever podium finish in the tournament.
Obi was also part of Nigeria’s squad for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. His death marks a significant loss for the football community, both in Nigeria and beyond. The NFF president also extended prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured in the accident, and for Obi’s eternal rest.
