Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor has been confirmed dead after collapsing during a pre-season friendly match against Niger Tornadoes in Katsina, Nigeria.
Ozor reportedly collapsed about five minutes into the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium on Tuesday after going to the stadium on foot to jog as part of his fitness routine following an injury.
He was rushed to a private hospital where medical personnel reportedly confirmed him dead. At the request of his family, he was subsequently transferred to a general hospital for further examination and CPR.
Reports later emerged that the footballer had shown signs of movement at the mortuary, prompting his family to return him to the hospital. He was placed in the intensive care unit and reportedly put on oxygen.
However, grassroots sports journalist Emmanuel Owi Adoyi has now confirmed, citing sources familiar with the situation, that Ozor has died.
According to Adoyi, two separate hospitals had confirmed the footballer’s death, although his family continued to hope that he could be revived.
The development has sparked renewed concerns about emergency medical response and the welfare of professional footballers in Nigeria.
Katsina United earlier described Ozor’s death as a tragedy and extended condolences to his family and loved ones.
Ozor, who recently joined Katsina United ahead of the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League season, previously played for Heartland FC and Kano Pillars.
