Katsina State has been thrown into mourning following the death of Katsina United Football Club player, Chinedu Ozor, who reportedly collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes FC at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
Ozor, who had recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars FC, reportedly suffered a medical emergency during the match and was immediately taken to K-Dara Specialist Hospital in Katsina. He was later confirmed dead in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
Reacting to the incident, Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, expressed shock and sadness over the footballer’s sudden death, describing it as a major loss to the state and the Nigerian football community.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, Governor Radda said the incident was particularly painful because Ozor had been preparing to begin a new phase of his career with Katsina United.
“The sudden death of Ozoh Chinedu is deeply shocking and heartbreaking. It is particularly painful that a young footballer with a promising career has lost his life at such a time,” the Governor said.
Radda extended his condolences to Ozor’s family, Katsina United FC, his teammates, coaches, management, supporters, former club Kano Pillars FC and the wider football community.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, I extend our condolences to the family of Ozoh Chinedu, Katsina United FC, his teammates, coaches, management, supporters, Kano Pillars FC and the entire football community,” he added.
The player’s sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Nigerian football fraternity, with tributes expected to continue pouring in for the young midfielder whose career was considered to hold significant promise.
The incident has also renewed concerns about the health of footballers and the availability of adequate emergency medical facilities and response systems during competitive matches.