Katsina United Football Club has announced the death of its newly signed defender, Chinedu Ozor, following a medical emergency during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes FC on Tuesday.
The incident occurred during the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina, as the club continued preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.
Katsina United confirmed the development in a statement, describing Ozor’s death as a tragic loss and expressing condolences to his family, friends, teammates and supporters.
The club said the player suffered a medical emergency during the friendly match but did not provide further details about the nature of the condition. Reports indicated that he was subsequently taken to a hospital, where he reportedly died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11.
In its reaction, Katsina United expressed sympathy to the player’s family and the wider Nigerian football community, saying, “Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones.”
The news has also attracted condolences from other clubs, including Rivers United, which described Ozor’s death as a painful loss to Nigerian football.
Rivers United extended its sympathies to Ozor’s family, as well as the management, players, staff and supporters of Katsina United, while urging the football community to remain united during the difficult period.
Ozor had only recently joined Katsina United as part of the club’s efforts to strengthen its squad ahead of the new NPFL campaign. Before his move, the defender had featured for other Nigerian top-flight clubs, including Heartland FC and Kano Pillars.
He joined Kano Pillars from Heartland in July 2025 and featured for the club during the 2025/26 NPFL season. He also previously faced Niger Tornadoes in a league fixture before joining Katsina United.
His sudden death has cast a shadow over the ongoing pre-season preparations, as Nigerian clubs continue to participate in friendly matches and tournaments ahead of the new football season.
The circumstances surrounding the medical emergency have not been officially disclosed by Katsina United.
The Nigerian football community has continued to mourn the defender, with clubs, players and supporters expressing their condolences to his family and former teammates.
Source: Premium Times Nigeria