Tributes pour for late Heartland coach, Obi

Nigerian football stakeholder continue to pay tribute to Christian Obi, the former Heartland head coach who lost his life in a ghastly accident involving the team on Friday, Sunday PUNCH reports.

The former Nigeria youth international goalkeeper didn’t survive the accident that occurred in Okigwe while the Naze Millionaires were travelling to Abakaliki to participate in  a preseason tournament, with several players sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

The incident has left the Nigerian football fraternity mourning, with the Nigeria Premier Football League board and clubs paying tributes to the fallen star who kept goal for Nigeria at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship in Russia and the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.

On behalf of the NPFL Board, its chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, stated in Saturday’s release, “Our thoughts are with his immediate and extended family, his friends, Heartland FC players, and officials, as well as with the Imo State Government.”

He also wished those who sustained injuries in the accident “a speedy and full recovery to return to action on the field of play as soon as is medically possible.

“While we await further reports on the accident, we would like to assure the club that the NPFL would be in solidarity with them at this very difficult period.”

Enyimba also issued a release to this effect on Saturday, stating, “Our hearts go out to the entire Heartland FC family, particularly his loved ones, during this incredibly difficult time. We share in their grief and shock, and our thoughts are with them. Coach Obi’s untimely passing is a monumental loss to Nigerian football. He was a dedicated and passionate individual who gave his all to the beautiful game. His legacy will live on in the lives he touched and the players he mentored.

“May his soul rest in peace, and may God grant Heartland FC the strength to bear this irreparable loss. May his memory continue to inspire and motivate us all.”

“Stay strong, Heartland FC. The loss of Christian Obi is a tragedy for Nigerian football. May the love and support of the football community comfort everyone at the club,” Nigeria’s CAF Champions League representatives Remo Stars wrote from Morocco, where they engaged FAR Rabat on Saturday night.

Bendel Insurance also shared in their grief, stating, “Bendel Insurance FC family commiserates with Heartland FC over the passing of their head coach, Christian Obi.We sympathise with you and his immediate family and share in your pains as you go through difficult times.Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Heartland family, and we wish others involved in the accident a quick recovery. May his soul rest in peace.”