The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Christian Obi, who lost his life in a car accident on Friday.
The accident involved players and officials of Heartland FC, the club based in Owerri, Imo State, where Obi served as a coach. The incident occurred in Okigwe, Imo State, as the team was traveling to Abakaliki for a pre-season tournament.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau described the news as both “shocking and very sad,” expressing the federation’s grief over the sudden loss.
“We are still stunned and saddened by the report. Our hearts go out to the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends and relations, the Imo State Football Association, and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club,” Gusau stated.
The tragic accident reportedly happened when the Heartland FC bus attempted to avoid an oncoming vehicle and collided with a stationary one. The team was on its way to participate in a tournament named after another Nigerian football legend when the unfortunate incident occurred.
Obi’s death has left an enormous gap in Nigerian football, particularly in Imo State, where he had been a vital part of the football community. The NFF President extended the federation’s condolences to the Imo State Government and all those affected by the loss.
“While we await further reports on the accident, we commiserate with the Imo State Government on this unfortunate situation, and pray that Almighty God will grant the late Christian Obi eternal rest. We also pray for the speedy recovery of those injured,” Gusau added.
Christian Obi’s legacy in Nigerian football is well-remembered. He was a member of the Nigeria U20 team that won bronze at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in the Soviet Union. In a memorable third-place match against the host nation, Obi, who was the second-choice goalkeeper, was called into action after the first-choice goalkeeper, Aloysius Agu, was injured. Obi’s heroic performance in the penalty shootout, where he saved three penalties, secured a 3-1 victory for Nigeria and the team’s first-ever podium finish in the tournament.
Beyond his U20 success, Christian Obi was also part of Nigeria’s squad at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, where he contributed to the nation’s efforts in the Men’s Football Tournament.