Katsina United have clarified reports surrounding the death of their player, Chinedu Ozor, after conflicting reports emerged claiming that the footballer showed signs of life after being taken to a mortuary.
The club confirmed that Ozor sadly passed away after collapsing during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina.
Earlier reports had claimed that the player moved his hand while his body was being taken to the mortuary, sparking widespread confusion and hope that he had survived.
However, Katsina United have now strongly denied reports that Ozor regained consciousness.
Katsina United clarify Chinedu Ozor reports
In a statement addressing the reports, Katsina United said the claims that Ozor came back to life were not true.
The club explained that the confusion began after Ozor’s family, devastated by the situation, requested further medical confirmation before his body was taken to the mortuary.
According to the club, that request for additional confirmation should not be interpreted as evidence that the player had survived.
Katsina United stressed that Ozor did not regain consciousness and sadly passed away.
The club urged members of the public to stop circulating rumours and unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the player’s death.
How the tragedy unfolded
Ozor, who had recently joined Katsina United from Kano Pillars, collapsed during the club’s pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
He was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital for medical attention after the incident.
Reports later emerged that he had been pronounced dead, with the club and other members of the Nigerian football community beginning to mourn the player.
However, confusion followed after claims emerged that movement had been noticed while Ozor was being taken to the mortuary.
Channels Television reported that the player’s roommate noticed movement in one of his hands, leading to the decision to return him to hospital for further medical attention.
Club asks fans to stop spreading rumours
Katsina United have now appealed to fans and the wider public to respect the player and his grieving family.
The club said the circumstances surrounding the tragedy had understandably created a moment of hope for those close to Ozor, but insisted that this should not be turned into a false story that he survived.
The club also called for compassion and privacy for Ozor’s family, teammates and friends as they come to terms with the loss.
Chinedu Ozor’s death shocks Nigerian football
The death of Ozor has sent shockwaves through Nigerian football, particularly because of the circumstances surrounding his collapse during a pre-season match.
The player had only recently joined Katsina United as the club prepared for the 2026/27 Nigerian Premier Football League season.
His sudden death has once again raised concerns about player welfare and the importance of adequate medical facilities and emergency response during football matches.
While earlier reports created confusion over Ozor’s condition, Katsina United’s latest clarification leaves no doubt about the club’s position.
The club has confirmed that Chinedu Ozor passed away and has asked everyone to allow him to rest in dignity.
Katsina United mourn Chinedu Ozor
Katsina United and those close to the player are now mourning the loss of a footballer whose career was tragically cut short.
The club has urged supporters to remember Ozor with dignity rather than continue sharing unverified reports about his final moments.
