Confusion surrounds the condition of Katsina United defender Ozor Chinedu, who collapsed during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old, who recently joined from Kano Pillars, slumped during the Gusau/Ahlan Pre-season Cup and was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital, where doctors reportedly pronounced him dead.
Katsina United later issued a condolence statement, while clubs including Heartland and Kano Pillars also mourned the player on social media.
However, in a dramatic turn of events, mortuary staff at Katsina General Hospital later noticed movement in his body.
Chinedu was immediately moved to the Intensive Care Unit and placed on oxygen.
Katsina United media officer Nasir Gide confirmed the development, saying the player had been declared dead twice before signs of life were noticed.
Heartland FC, one of Chinedu’s former clubs, also confirmed the incident and urged fans to pray for his recovery.
As of Wednesday morning, Chinedu remains in critical condition at Katsina General Hospital, while the football community awaits a medical report.
