Heartland FC coach Christian Obi dies in tragic accident en route to preseason tournament

Heartland FC has been struck by tragedy as their head coach, Christian Obi, a former Nigeria international goalkeeper, lost his life in a devastating accident.

The incident occurred near Okigwe while the team was en route to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, to participate in the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT preseason tournament.

According to initial reports shared on the club’s Facebook page, several players and officials also sustained injuries in the accident and have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Christian Obi, aged 57, was a celebrated figure in Nigerian football, having served as a youth international goalkeeper who represented the country in the Men’s Football Tournament at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

He had been coaching Heartland FC, popularly known as the “Naze Millionaires,” during the previous season.

The entire football community mourns the loss of a dedicated coach and former national hero.