Former Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) club Heartland were involved in a ghastly bus accident which claimed the life of their head coach and former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Christian Obi.
The accident happened in Umunna, near Okigwe in Imo State while Heartland players and coaching crew were en route to Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, for the Ifeanyi Ekwueme TICO/SELECT preseason tournament.
Some players and officials sustained injuries and were immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. Unfortunately, coach Christian Obi was confirmed dead at the hospital.
The initial statement released by the Imo State-owned club on Friday, August 23, claimed that no life was lost in the accident but it was later confirmed that the 57-year-old retired goalkeeper had passed away following the crash.
The club’s statement reads: “The accident happened at Umunna close to Okigwe still within Imo State.
“The vehicle, in its attempt to dodge an oncoming vehicle, collided with another carelessly parked vehicle from another accident.
“Though no death was recorded some players and officials sustained injuries and have been taken to the hospital.”
Note that this accident happened weeks after former Nigeria international, Emmanuel Amuneke was named the technical adviser of the Nigeria National League (NNL) club.
Recall that the former Nigeria’s youth team coach was unveiled by the Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma on August 5.
At the time of writing, it was not clear whether Amuneke travelled with the team on a different vehicle or didn’t make the trip.
Also note that the accident happened amid speculations that Heartland are planning to buy the NPFL slot of Beyond Limits Football Academy since the club is owned by the founder of another NPFL club, Remo Stars.
