Tragedy struck Katsina United on Tuesday after new signing Chinedu Ozor collapsed and died during a pre-season friendly in Katsina.
The 30-year-old defender slumped on the pitch about 10 to 13 minutes into the match against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium. Club medical staff rushed to attend to him, and he was later taken to hospital. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Ozor had only just been unveiled by the Nigeria Premier Football League side during the current transfer window. Before joining Katsina United, he played for Kano Pillars, Heartland United and Lobi Stars.
The club, players, officials and supporters are in mourning following the sudden loss. The exact cause of death has not been officially announced, and Katsina United says it will release a formal statement soon.
The incident has also reignited calls for stronger emergency medical measures at football venues in Nigeria, especially the need for immediate response when players suffer sudden health emergencies during games.
