Chinedu Ozor, a 30-year-old Nigerian footballer, was pronounced dead at a hospital in Katsina after collapsing during a pre-season match against Niger Tornadoes. However, hours later, his body was found moving in the mortuary, prompting a dramatic turn of events.
Footballer Revives in Mortuary After Being Declared Dead
Chinedu Ozor, a right-back for Katsina United, was rushed to a nearby hospital after collapsing about 10 to 13 minutes into the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday. A doctor pronounced him dead at the hospital, and his team subsequently announced his death in a statement, prompting condolence messages from clubs across the Nigeria Premier Football League.
Investigation Underway as Footballer's Condition Remains Uncertain
The circumstances surrounding Ozor's initial death pronouncement remain unclear, with neither Katsina United nor Katsina General Hospital issuing a full official statement on his condition. According to grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ, Ozor's hand was seen moving while he was at the mortuary, prompting those present to raise the alarm. He was rushed back to the hospital and placed in intensive care, where he remains on oxygen as doctors work to revive him.
Clubs and Fans React to Footballer's Miraculous Recovery
As news of Ozor's miraculous recovery spread, his former club, Heartland, was among the first to share the update publicly, posting on X: "Reliable sources say Chinedu Ozor has been moved from the mortuary to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement. He is currently on oxygen as medics work to revive him." A Niger Tornadoes player who featured in Tuesday's match described the incident as devastating, saying, "It was heartbreaking. We are hoping for a miracle."
Footballer's Condition Remains Uncertain as Investigation Continues
Ozor, who joined Katsina United this season after previously featuring for several other clubs, remains in the intensive care unit of Katsina General Hospital. His former clubs, including Kano Pillars and Heartland, have expressed their hopes for his recovery, while the circumstances behind the initial death pronouncement remain unclear. As of the latest update, neither Katsina United nor Katsina General Hospital has issued a full official statement on his condition.
Source: Pulse.ng
