Christian Obi, former Nigeria international and head coach of Heartland FC, has tragically died in a road accident involving the team’s bus. The accident occurred near Okigwe, Imo State, as the team was en route to Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, to participate in the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT preseason tournament, according to a statement on the club’s Facebook page.
The club revealed, “The accident happened at Umunna close to Okigwe still within Imo State. The vehicle in its attempt to dodge an oncoming vehicle collided with another carelessly parked vehicle from another accident.”
While no other deaths were reported, several players and officials sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Christian Obi was a celebrated figure in Nigerian football, known for leading Nigeria to a bronze medal at the 1985 World Youth Championship against the Soviet Union. He also represented the country in the Men’s Football Tournament at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea.
