Katsina United Football Club has announced the death of its newly signed player, Ozoh Chinedu, following a medical emergency during a pre-season friendly against Niger Tornadoes FC in Katsina.
The club, in a statement issued by its Media Directorate on Tuesday, said Ozoh was rushed to K-Dara Specialist Hospital after the incident occurred during the match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.
According to the statement, the player was immediately attended to before being taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
However, despite efforts to save his life, Ozoh died in the early hours of Tuesday, August 11, 2026.
“The football community in Katsina State and beyond has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Ozoh, a newly signed player of Katsina United Football Club and former Kano Pillars FC player,” the club said.
The friendly was part of both teams’ preparations for the forthcoming football season.
The club said Ozoh’s death came as a major shock to his teammates, coaching crew, management, supporters and the wider football community, particularly as he had only recently joined Katsina United and was preparing for the new season.
Ozoh was previously associated with Kano Pillars FC before moving to Katsina United, where he was expected to contribute to the club’s campaign in the forthcoming season.
Katsina United said the circumstances surrounding the player’s sudden death had not yet been fully established.
“Further details are expected from the club, medical authorities or his family,” the statement added.
The club described the death as a tragic loss to the football community in Katsina State and across Nigeria, noting that the player’s career had been cut short.
Katsina United extended its condolences to Ozoh’s family, teammates, friends, supporters and the wider football community, praying that God would grant them the strength to bear the loss.
