Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozoh has tragically died after reportedly collapsing during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday.
The former Kano Pillars player was said to have slumped during the encounter at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, leaving players and officials deeply shaken.
Ozoh was immediately attended to before being rushed to the nearby K-Dara Specialist Hospital for urgent medical attention.
However, despite efforts by medical personnel to save his life, the newly signed Katsina United player sadly passed away.
The club officially confirmed the tragic development in a statement, expressing shock over the sudden death of a player who had only recently joined the team ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
“His death has come as a major shock to his teammates, coaching crew, club management, supporters and the wider football community,” Katsina United stated.
The club noted that the tragedy was particularly painful because Ozoh had just joined the team and was preparing for the new campaign.
The circumstances surrounding his sudden collapse and death have not yet been fully established, with further details expected from Katsina United, medical authorities or the player’s family.
Ozoh’s death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football community, with tributes expected from former teammates, clubs, supporters and other stakeholders.
Katsina United extended its condolences to the player’s family, friends, teammates, coaching staff and supporters while praying for strength for everyone affected by the loss.
“May God grant his family, teammates, friends, Katsina United FC and the entire football community the strength to bear this painful loss,” the club added.
Ozoh’s death comes as a major blow to Katsina United as the club prepares for the new NPFL season, with the football community now mourning a player whose career was tragically cut short.
