Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has condoled with the management and fans of Heartland Football Club, Owerri, on the death of the club’s head coach, Christian Obi, following a ghastly motor accident.
A statement by Heartland Media on Saturday said the accident occurred as the club was en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.
It read, “With sadness in our heart and with total submission to the will of God, Heartland FC is announcing the death of Christian Power Obi who died on Friday 23rd August, 2024 from a road accident en route Abakaliki, Ebonyi State to participate in the TICO/SELECT Ifeanyi Ekwueme Preseason Tournament.
“The heartbreaking day saw the Heartland FC team departing the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri for the preseason Tournament with enthusiasm at around 3:30 pm in three vehicles but at about some minutes after 4 pm, one of the vehicles rammed into a carelessly parked truck in its attempt to evade an oncoming vehicle.
“The driver tried as he could but the impact of the collision caused a sudden shock to our coach, Christian Obi who was unconscious with a slight injury to his right leg upon evacuation from the badly affected part of the bus.”
The former governor of Anambra State, Obi, in his condolence message on Saturday, prayed for quick recovery of the team players and the peaceful repose of Late Coach Obi.
“It is with a heavy heart that I received the sad news of a ghastly motor accident involving the Heartland Football Club of Owerri, Imo State. I learnt the Coach of the team lost his life in the unfortunate incident with many players injured and in the hospital receiving treatment.
“Reports indicate that the accident occurred when the team’s Coaster bus collided with a stationary truck while trying to avoid a head-on collision with an oncoming vehicle.
“My condolences go to the family of the Coach, Heartland FC, Imo State Government and Nigeria football family. the injured, I pray to God for quick recovery. I pray God to grant the bereaved the fortitude to bear the loss,” Obi said.
