Christian Obi, Heartland FC Coach Dies In Ghastly Auto Crash, NFF Mourns
Christian Obi, a former Nigeria international goalkeeper has died in a ghastly road crash
Obi, a coach of Heartland FC, an Owerri based NPFL side, died along Okigwe road Imo State.when players and officials of his club, Heartland FC of Owerri were on their way Abakaliki to take part in a pre-season tournament.
Christian Obi was a member of the Nigeria U20 team that won the bronze medals at the 1985 FIFA World Youth Championship (now FIFA U20 World Cup) in the Soviet Union, defeating the host nation on penalty shootout in the third-place match after scoreless regulation and extra time in Moscow.
Obi’s heroics in saving three of the Soviet Union team’s penalty kicks handed Nigeria a 3-1 win in the shootout and first-ever podium finish in FIFA’s second most important tournament.
Christian Obi was also part of Nigeria’s squad to the Men’s Football Tournament of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation has described as shocking and sad the death of
Ibrahim Gusau, President of NFF, said they were still stunned and saddened by the report of Obi’s death.
“Our hearts go out to the immediate family of Coach Christian Obi, his friends and relations, the Imo State Football Association and the Imo State Government, owners of Heartland Football Club.
“While we await further reports on the accident, we commiserate with the Imo State Government on this unfortunate situation, and pray that Almighty God will grant the late Christian Obi eternal rest, and also pray that the injured regain good health speedily,” he said
