AFCON 2025
Nigeria Premier Football League side Katsina United is in mourning after new signing Chinedu Ozor collapsed and died during a pre-season friendly on Tuesday.
Ozor reportedly collapsed during the pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Karkanda stadium in Katsina, roughly 10 to 15 minutes into the match. Medical personnel and those around the pitch responded immediately, and he was rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment, but he was later confirmed dead.
The exact circumstances surrounding his death had not been officially communicated at the time of the reports, and an official statement from the club or medical authorities. The incident brought the friendly match to an end expectedly.
Ozor joined Katsina United last month as part of an 11-man recruitment drive ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season. He arrived from North West rivals Kano Pillars, where he had been a regular starter for the Sai Masu Gida in the second half of last season and helped the club maintain its top-flight status. He signed a two-year contract with Katsina United as a central defender.
Tributes have poured in from football followers, with condolences expected to reach his family, teammates, and the wider Katsina United community. Ozor had only just begun a new chapter of his career with the Chanji Boys before his death cut it tragically short.
Katsina United and the League Management Company are yet to release an official statement as of the time of filing this report.
