Katsina United have been plunged into mourning following the sudden death of newly signed midfielder Ozoh Chinedu during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday.
Chinedu reportedly suffered a medical emergency while the two sides were playing at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
He was attended to before being rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital for emergency treatment. Despite efforts by medical personnel to save him, the player later died.
Katsina United confirmed the tragic incident in a statement issued by its Media Directorate on Tuesday.
The club described Chinedu’s death as a devastating blow to his teammates, coaches, management, supporters and the wider football community.
Chinedu had only recently joined Katsina United from another northern Nigerian club, Kano Pillars, and was preparing to begin the new season with his new team.
“His death has come as a major shock to his teammates, coaching crew, club management, supporters and the wider football community,” the club said.
The circumstances surrounding the player’s sudden death have not yet been fully established, with the club saying further information is expected from medical authorities and his family.
The tragedy has cast a shadow over Katsina United’s pre-season preparations as the club mourns a player whose football career was cut short unexpectedly.
Katsina United extended its condolences to Chinedu’s family, friends, teammates and supporters, praying that they would find strength to cope with the loss.