Christian Obi: Tears in his eyes as Heartland FC coach dies in tragic road accident

• Heartland of Owerri of the Nigerian Premier Football League was involved in a fatal car accident.
• The team's head coach from the recently concluded season, Christian Obi, unfortunately died in the crash
• The players and officials of the Imo-based club were on their way to a pre-season tournament scheduled to be held in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The Nigerian football community has been thrown into mourning after reports emerged of a fatal accident involving local club Heartland FC.

The Owerri-based team, which was relegated in the recently concluded season, was on its way to the Ifeanyi Ekwueme Tico/Select preparatory tournament when the unfortunate incident occurred.

According to a report on the club's official social media account, the team's coach, Christian Power Obi, tragically died in the accident.

Full of anticipation for the pre-season tournament, Heartland FC set off from the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri at around 3:30 p.m. in three vehicles. Shortly after 4 p.m., however, one of the vehicles collided with a carelessly parked truck while trying to avoid an oncoming vehicle.

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Despite the driver's best efforts, coach Christian Obi suffered a sudden shock from the force of the impact. When he was evacuated from the badly damaged part of the bus, he was found unconscious and with a minor injury to his right leg.

Coach Obi and other injured players were taken to the nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of the medical staff, the coach unfortunately died.

Since then, numerous expressions of condolence have been received on social media over the tragic incident.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also took the time to pay tribute to the club after this sad event.

NFF's tribute to Heartland FC

In a press release issued by the association, the NFF described the situation as “shocking and deeply saddened.” The association also highlighted the remarkable achievements of the late coach, who had previously served as goalkeeper for the Nigerian national team.

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The statement fondly recalled Obi's heroics at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship, where he saved three penalties to secure Nigeria a bronze medal.

Coach Obi was also a member of the Nigerian team at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul.

Why Andersson could be perfect for Nigeria

Legit.ng Another report outlined several reasons why coach Janne Andersson would be the ideal choice to lead the Super Eagles.

The experienced coach brings a wealth of experience, having led the Swedish national team to the quarter-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2020 UEFA European Championship.

The 61-year-old also achieved an impressive goal ratio with his team, especially considering the caliber of attackers at his disposal.

Source: Legit.ng