Update! Chinedu Ozor moved to ICU after being pronounced dead

Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor is reportedly receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at Katsina General Hospital, hours after the club had officially pronounced him dead following a collapse during a pre-season friendly.

Ozor slumped during Katsina United’s clash with Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday. The club rushed him to a nearby hospital, where a doctor confirmed his death, and Katsina United subsequently released a statement mourning the loss of their newly signed player.

Hours later, conflicting reports emerged suggesting Ozor had shown signs of movement while his body lay in the mortuary. Grassroots journalist Prince CJ first reported the development, stating that the defender’s hand moved, prompting those present to raise the alarm. He was said to have been rushed back to hospital and placed on oxygen as medical staff worked to revive him.

Katsina United’s media officer, Nasir Gide, later confirmed to The PUNCH that Ozor is now in the ICU, having initially been pronounced dead after the collapse.

No official medical statement has yet clarified his current condition, and the club has not issued a detailed update beyond the initial confirmation relayed to Gide. The situation remains fluid, with reports on the ground continuing to conflict.

Ozor only recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars ahead of the 2026/27 NPFL season, having also previously featured for Abia Warriors, Lobi Stars, Sunshine Stars, and Heartland in a career spanning several Nigerian top-flight clubs. His sudden collapse cast a shadow over the club’s pre-season preparations and drew condolence messages from across the league, including from Rivers United.