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Nigeria U-20 men’s national team, Flying Eagles Assistant Coach, Abdullahi Biffo, has penned an emotional tribute on late Katsina United defender, Chinedu Ozor, who slumped and died on Tuesday 11 August, 2026, during a Preseason friendly match against Niger Tornadoes, exactly 37 years after Sam Okwaraji slumped and died during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola in Lagos, Completesports.com reports.
Ozor, 33, joined Katsina United on July 14, 2026, following a completed transfer move away from Kano Pillars. He had previously played for Heartland of Owerri for two seasons — 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 seasons before a transfer move to Kano Pillars in the 2025/2026 season.
In the tribute, Biffo recalled his moments with the all – defender when he was Head Coach of Abia Warriors in 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 campaigns.
“Rest well, Ozor. You left me with so many memories that I will never forget,” Biffor began.
“I still remember my first day as your coach at Abia Warriors. You came to me and confidently told me, “Coach, you can use me in any position from the back.”
“Those words were not just something you said—they truly described the kind of player and person you were.
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“I used you as a right-back, left-back, centre-back, and defensive midfielder, and in every position, you gave your very best.
“Your courage, commitment, versatility, and contribution played a significant role in helping us achieve our goals that season.
“I will forever cherish those memories and the time we shared. Your sudden departure is painful and difficult to accept.
“May Almighty God grant you eternal rest and give your family, friends, teammates, and everyone you left behind the strength to bear this great loss.
“Rest in peace, Ozor. You will never be forgotten.”
Ozor’s slump and eventual death during a Preseason game involving his newly signed club, Katsina United and Niger Tornadoes on Tuesday, 11 August, 2026, brings to three, the number of Nigeria players who slumped and died during games in the country.
In 2025, Chineme Martins, a Nasarawa United defender collapsed and eventually died during a league match against Katsina United on March 8.
Before that incident, precisely on December 12, 2010, Emmanuel Ogoli, an Ocean Boys FC defender, collapsed on the pitch during a professional league match and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
On the international stage, Amir Angwe, a Julius Berger of Lagos player, had earlier collapsed and eventually died during an African Cup Winners’ Cup (now CAF Confederation Cup) match at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos, just as Sam Okwaraji collapsed and died at the National Stadium, Lagos, on 12 August, 1989 during a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Angola.
By Sab Osuji
