Katsina United have debunked reports claiming that their player, Chinedu Ozor, regained consciousness after collapsing during a friendly match against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammad Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
The club confirmed that Ozor died despite efforts to save his life, urging the public and media organisations to stop circulating unverified reports suggesting that he survived.
In a statement issued by its Media Directorate, Katsina United said the player sadly passed away following the incident.
“Despite the efforts that followed, Chinedu sadly passed away,” the club said.
Club Clarifies ‘Came Back to Life’ Reports
The clarification followed reports circulating online that Ozor later regained consciousness or “came back to life” after collapsing.
Katsina United explained that the reports were false, saying Ozor’s family had initially struggled to accept the reality of his death and requested further medical confirmation before his body was taken to the morgue.
“We understand that people desperately wanted this to be true. We all did. But sadly, those reports are not true,” the club said.
The club stressed that Ozor never regained consciousness after his collapse.
“That moment of hope must not be turned into a story that Chinedu survived. He did not regain consciousness. He passed away,” Katsina United stated.
Katsina United Appeals for Privacy
The club appealed to the public and media organisations to respect the privacy of Ozor’s family, teammates and friends during the difficult period.
It urged people to stop spreading rumours and sharing unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the footballer’s death.
“Behind every post, every headline and every video is a grieving family. Behind the name Chinedu Ozor was a son, a brother, a teammate, a friend and a young man whose life meant so much to many people,” the club said.
Katsina United said Ozor’s family needed compassion rather than speculation, while his teammates needed time and space to grieve.
The club concluded by praying for strength for his family and the peaceful repose of his soul.
