Katsina United defender Chinedu Ozor has died, despite earlier reports that he showed signs of life after being taken to a mortuary following his collapse during a pre-season friendly.
The report that Ozor had moved his hand at the mortuary and was subsequently rushed back to the hospital had raised hopes that the newly signed defender had survived the medical emergency. However, sources have now confirmed that the report was incorrect and that Ozor didn’t survive after collapsing at training.
Ozor collapsed during Katsina United’s pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina on Tuesday.
The defender reportedly collapsed about 10 to 15 minutes into the match and was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for emergency medical attention.
Katsina United later announced his death, describing the incident as a “tragic passing” and extending its condolences to his family and loved ones.
However, hours after the club announced his death, a report emerged that Ozor had shown signs of movement while at the mortuary.
Grassroots sports journalist Prince CJ first reported the development in a video shared on his Facebook page, saying he had received information that Ozor’s hand had moved and that he had been rushed back to the hospital.
The report generated renewed hope among football supporters and those close to the player. One of Ozor’s former clubs, Heartland FC, also shared the claim, stating that the defender had been moved from the mortuary to the hospital after reportedly showing signs of movement.
The club said Ozor was on oxygen while medical personnel attempted to revive him, adding that it hoped he would recover. However, the reports have now been debunked.
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Sources have confirmed that Ozor did not regain consciousness or return to life and that the reports of movement at the mortuary were inaccurate.
A medical expert explained that the reported movement could have been a Lazarus reflex, an involuntary movement that can occur in people who have suffered severe brain injury or brain death.
According to the expert, such movements do not necessarily mean that a person has regained consciousness or returned to life.
Katsina United had earlier paid tribute to Ozor following the medical emergency. “We mourn the tragic passing of our newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during today’s friendly match against Niger Tornadoes FC,” the club said. “Our thoughts, prayers, and strength are with his family and loved ones. Rest on Warrior.”
Rivers United also expressed condolences to Ozor’s family, Katsina United and the wider Nigerian football community.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and to the management, players, staff, and supporters of Katsina United FC,” Rivers United said in a statement signed by its General Manager, Okey Kpalukwu.
Ozor had only recently joined Katsina United after previously representing Heartland FC and Kano Pillars. He moved from Heartland to Kano Pillars in July 2025 and featured for the Kano-based club during the 2025/26 Nigeria Premier Football League season.
His death has sparked widespread grief within Nigerian football, with players, clubs and supporters expressing shock over the loss.
The false report that he had shown signs of life briefly raised hopes of his survival before his death was subsequently confirmed.
The Eagle Online
