By Opeyemi Adelakun
Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor has died after collapsing during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina State on Tuesday.
Ozor, a former Kano Pillars, Heartland United and Lobi Stars player, reportedly suffered the sudden collapse during the early stages of the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina.
Multiple reports put the incident at between 10 and 13 minutes after kick-off, with the 30-year-old footballer falling on the pitch and immediately requiring medical attention.
Medical personnel attached to Katsina United reportedly attempted to revive him before he was taken to a hospital for further treatment. He was, however, said to have been pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the facility.
The development has plunged Katsina United into mourning, coming only shortly after Ozor joined the club as a new signing during the ongoing transfer window.
The defender had previously featured for several Nigerian clubs, including Kano Pillars, Heartland United and Lobi Stars, before making the move to Katsina United.
His sudden death has also triggered concerns over emergency medical preparedness at football venues and the need for rapid access to life-saving treatment when players suffer medical emergencies during matches.
However, the specific cause of Ozor’s collapse and death has not been officially disclosed.
Katsina United had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
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